Refine your search for walks in Les Essards (Charente-Maritime)
Les Essards (Charente-Maritime) walks
The Bois de la Clie in Les Essards
Set amongst forests, woods and small hamlets, the rural landscape of the commune of Les Essards unfolds before you. A typical example of the Romanesque heritage of the Saintonge region, the 12th-century church and a 15th-century watchtower add to the charm of this tree-lined, natural route.
The Pierre Loti Route to Saint-Porchaire
Following in the footsteps of the famous writer and through the forest, you’ll discover Saint-Porchaire and its surroundings. Typical examples of the Romanesque heritage of the Saintonge region, the12th-century church, the Château de La Roche-Courbon and the Marie Bon house are sure to satisfy the curiosity of walkers.
On the lands of Saint Blaise in Plassay
Amidst woodland and small hamlets, the rural landscape of the village of Plassay unfolds. Hikers will come across the typical heritage of Romanesque Saintonge: the12th-century church, the limestone landscapes and the quarries for building stone.
From the castle to the Trou de Pampin in Nieul-lès-Saintes to Soulignonnes
Set amongst woods and Saintonge hamlets, the villages of Nieul-lès-Saintes and Soulignonnes exemplifythe small-scale heritage of Romanesque Saintonge. The14th-century medieval castle, the11th- and12th-century churches and a15th-century watchtower add to the charm of this walk steeped in rural character.
The Crazannes quarries - Les Lapidiales - Port d'Envaux
The old quarries of Crazannes offer a striking landscape of steep rock faces and narrow gorges. The hard white stone was used in the construction or restoration of monuments such as Fort Boyard.Les Lapidiales is a site offering visitors an open-air museum, with free admission, where the excavations left by the quarrymen give the impression of being in the middle of a giant labyrinth and where visitors enjoy discovering the sculptures.
The Sentiers de la Pierre between Crazannes and Port d’Envaux
Set against a backdrop of rocky outcrops and woodland, the banks of the Charente and the villages of La Pierre de Crazannes and Port-d’Envaux come into view. Typical of the Romanesque Saintonge region, the 19th-century church, the 15th- and 18th-century castles, and the Sentiers de la Pierre enhance this tree-lined, natural route.
The Besson Oak of Port d'Envaux
This hike offers the opportunity to discover the woods of Port d'Envaux, as well as the Roman church of Saint-Saturnin de Séchaud. In a mineral, green and wooded setting, you will discover a typical natural heritage that is timeless.
The woods, hedgerows and marshes around Geay
A circular route around the pretty, peaceful little village of Geay. The route takes you along well-maintained paths through forests and wooded countryside. You will also ride alongside the marsh.
The Charente is not far away but remains invisible.
The route has been surveyed on the ground, making it very reliable.
In the Marais du Bruant de Romegoux in Geay
Amidst woods, marshes and small hamlets, you can discover the rural landscape of the villages of Romegoux and Geay. A typical feature of the Romanesque Saintonge region, the 16th- and 12th-century churches adorn a tree-lined, natural trail through the Bruant marshes.
Circular route from Rochefollet to Bussac-sur-Charente
A walk around Bussac-sur-Charente. The route passes through the small gorge carved out by the Rocheffolet. You will also see watermills and a windmill.
From Taillebourg to Annepont via the Chemin des Escarbilles
This route is characterised by the diversity of the landscapes encountered: a wooded section crossed by a wide path following an old railway line, a hilly landscape with patches of vineyards, and finally a dry hillside overlooking a wetland.
The moors from Cadeuil to Sainte-Gemme
Set amongst pine trees, a lake and rocky landscapes, the village of Sainte-Gemme stands out for its10th-century priory. The walk forms part of both the historical heritage of Romanesque Saintonge and its natural heritage.
Discovering Saintes
Discover Saintes, a town steeped in history, cradled by the waves of the Charente.
Country Walk from Nancras to Balanzac
Amidst woods, fields and small hamlets, the countryside around the villages of Nancras and Balanzac unfolds. A typical example of Romanesque Saintonge heritage, the13th- and16th-century churches and the16th-century castle evoke a heritage rich in history.
Around Sablonceaux Abbey - Le Chemin des Prêtres
This route allows you to discover Sablonceaux Abbey in the middle of the fields from several angles.
The route passes through woods, fields, vineyards and horse farms, giving you an insight into the diversity of agricultural activities around Sablonceaux.
From Trizay Abbey to the Creux Nègre Cave
A circular starting from Trizay Abbey towards the cave and the Creux Nègre rock passage. This geological curiosity in the region is carved into the ancient cliffs that line the Arnoult valley.
Half of the route is on tarmac, on very quiet roads, allowing you to discover the market gardens on the rich lands of the Arnoult valley (home of the Pont l'Abbé bean).
A circular in the woods around Fenioux
A hike through the rolling, wooded landscape of Saintonge. Upon arrival, you can admire the lantern of the dead and the Romanesque portal of the church of Fenioux. Information panels provide details about these two monuments.
You will follow part of theGR®655(a route to Santiago de Compostela, via Tours) and theGR®360, but there are no reliable markings along the route.
Château du Bois Charmant and the Font de Benon sandpit at Les Nouillers
A circular route that takes you round the Château du Bois Charmant and through a curious sandpit landscape. The route can also be done on a mountain bike. There are a few technical sections.
Discovery circular: the gentle Seudre in Saujon
Circular discovery of the town centre and the surrounding countryside.
Walk along the banks of the gentle Seudre river
This route is suitable for cycling (mountain bikes, hybrid bikes) in accordance with the Highway Code.
Circular discovery loop around Saujon
Stroll through the town centre of Saujon and the peri-urban marshes of the Seudre.
Discover the local flora and fauna, combining hiking with curiosity.
This route is accessible by bicycle, mountain bike or hybrid bike, provided you follow the rules of the road.
Circular Ribérou route via Ilate and Lande
Circular route around the Lande starting from the port of Ribérou.
The Tonnay-Charente suspension bridge and the Cèpe bridge
This loop, starting from Tonnay-Charente, will take you across the Charente river twice via two bridges that are completely closed to motor traffic.
You can admire the view from the top of the Tonnay-Charente suspension bridge and explore the quays of its sleepy port.