The Autise and Saumort valleys via Roc Cervelle

At Beceleuf, head towards Fenioux (D126). After about 2 km, park on the left at the start of a track just before the bridge over the Autise (hunting car park).

(S/E) Set off along this track and, a little further on, cross the footbridge over the Autise. The track runs alongside the meadows of the Autise valley on one side, and the cliff known as Roc Cervelle on the other. At the T-junction, turn right and immediately take the path on the left. Cross the footbridge over the Saumort.

(1) After the footbridge, take the hairpin bend to the right onto the path that runs alongside the Saumort.

(2) Leave the valley and take the path that climbs to the left. (Caution: the path is eroded and slippery in wet weather but passable with good footwear). At the top, pass a restored wash house, then cross the small hamlet of La Bressonnière and reach the road. Turn right and walk carefully, keeping to the right, then turn right after 200 m at La Montagne. At the end of the street, head down to the right along a very steep, stony path to return to the valley.

(3) Cross the Saumort again via a footbridge, or by wading if the water level allows, and continue until you reach another path. Follow it to the left for less than 100 m.

(4) Turn left to negotiate a right-hand bend a little further on and reach the Saumort once more. Wade across over large exposed rocks and walk to the road.

(5) Turn right and follow the road carefully. A bridge crosses the Saumort a little further on.

(6) 100 m after the bridge, turn right onto a small road towards La Vergnée. Leave the road and take the path on the left after a bend. After about 300 m, the path turns right and reaches a footbridge crossing the Fenioux stream. Follow the path climbing through the forest (rutted path). Further up, the path widens, becomes a grassy track and joins another stony path. Turn right, then continue, after a left-hand bend, until you reach the road. Follow it to the right for about a hundred metres.

(7) Turn left and head down a small road to the hamlet of La Vergne. Ignore Rue des Grands Champs on the right, then Rue de l’Emerière which branches off to the left, and, a little further on, continue straight ahead round the bend into Rue du Lavoir. Pass the wash house, then a large pond on the left, and continue along this small winding road.

(8) Take the path leading down to the left, then turn left again and then right. Continue downhill, crossing the Ruisseau de la Miochette (either by fording or via the footbridge).

(9) Turn right onto the path that crosses the Autise via a wooden footbridge and continue straight on (be careful as the paths marked on the IGN base map are incorrect – rely on the OSM map instead). The path climbs and emerges from the woods a little further up, running alongside meadows and cultivated fields.

(10) Turn right and head back down into the Autise valley. Cross the small bridge over the Chancelée then turn left onto the D126 road to reach the car park (S/E) 50 m to the right.

There are no drinking water points or shelters on this route, but a picnic table is accessible by car just before the footbridge over the Autise, not far from point (S/E).

The paths can sometimes be slippery between points (2) and (3), and also after crossing the Ruisseau de Fenioux on the gully path that climbs between points (6) and (7). Sturdy footwear is essential.

This route follows sections marked in yellow or red and yellow (^GRP® Sud Gâtine). These markings should be ignored.

Hiking quietly at the start or end of the day often allows you to spot wild animals. Many birds come to drink from these streams.
There are two wash houses and their fountains to note on this route: one recently restored at La Bressonnière and another at La Vergne.
Roc Cervelle is a rock composed of slabs of schist. Hundreds of millions of years ago, it towered over the Mesozoic seas that once lapped at the heights of Gâtine. Legend has it that the water seeping from it is the ‘pee’ of Melusine, who used to come here to sleep. (Source: ‘La Vallée de l’Autize’ walking guide published by the Deux-Sèvres General Council)