Merpins walks

Located at the confluence of the Né and Charente rivers, the Merpins commune has been permanently occupied by men from very early times: arrowheads, pottery shards, and later an imposing medieval fortress, an 11th century church and an abbey dating back to the 12th century are the living proof. These fertile lands are home to meadows, cereal fields and a Grande-Champagne listed vineyard.

Bordered to the South by the Charente river, theSaint-Laurent area consists of a small town gathered around its church and its 11th century portal, several villages spread across the valleys and the hills as well as farms and secluded dwellings.

This route includes a tour of the Vallée de La Croix, part of the natural and historical heritage of the Borderies region, via the Chemin du Panteneau in the canton of Saint-Martin, whose right-of-way has marked one of the boundaries between the two municipalities of Saint-Laurent-de-Cognac and Louzac-Saint-André since 1824.

A pleasant walk starting from Ars-en-Saintonge, exploring a very natural area including the Bois de la Grande Prée and the Né. The route features some fine examples of built heritage, such as the school complex and the Bûcher d’Ars, the Château d’Ars at the start of the walk, and the Church of Saint-Maclou on the return journey.

At the westernmost tip of Charente, Louzac-Saint-André, with its two villages and numerous hamlets, is a typical commune of the Borderies region in Saintonge. These rural paths wind through alternating wooded areas and vineyards. From valleys to hills, in addition to beautiful views of the Romanesque churches of Saint-Martin de Louzac and Saint-André, walkers will discover two remarkable natural landscapes, the Ri Bellot Valley and the Vallée de La Croix.

The municipality of Louzac-Saint-André is criss-crossed by around 40 km of country lanes, offering the chance to discover a wide variety of landscapes amidst vineyards and woodland. The peaceful Vallée de la Croix is a remarkable example of this, unanimously recognised as representative of the natural and historical heritage of the Borderies. Hikers and walkers, set off to explore it or rediscover it for yourselves with the route suggested here, which is accessible to all.

Gimeux was built on a hillside overlooking the valley and marshlands of the river Né and enjoys a flourishing farming activity: meadows and cereal fields in the valley, vineyards on the hills. Ancient burial sites and the outline of the old Roman road called ‘Chemin Boisné’ are revealing of the ancestral occupation of the land. The parish church dates back to the 12th century. Also marking the landscape are an old chapel as well as the remains of a windmill on the Fanaud hillside.

Built on the lower slopes of Grande Champagne, Genté offers its residents proximity to the town of Cognac, 8 km away, and the charms of rural life. Point 101 is an iconic location in the commune of Genté, where the orientation table is located. This site was once home to an old mill, some remains of which are still buried in the ground around the site. Point 101 is also the reference point for sea level.

Saint-Sulpice-de-Cognac is pleasantly located between the marshlands of the Antenne River and limestone hillsides. There, are hidden the remains of the Agrippa Roman road as well as forgotten local railroad. Cherves-Richemont is graced with the Antenne River and offers an unexpected diversity of landscapes. Its historic heritage is particularly rich: Romanesque churches, Château Chesnel, watermills, manor houses….

Thanks to the natural beauty of its location and the richness of its heritage, Saint-Brice is one of the most picturesque areas of Cognac region. At the heart of the Charente and Soloire rivers valley, man has erected many symbolic buildings: dolmens, churches, abbeys, castles and manors, all expertly crafted.

It was in December 1856 that Salles de Segonzac joined forces with the Commanderie d'Angles, a small village nestled in a bend of the River Le Né. Angles lived in harmony with the river, whilst Salles, resembling a large village, centred its life around wine-growing.

Gensac-la-Pallue is notable for its marshes, to which the locals are deeply attached. La Pallue comes from ‘palus’: marshes. This wetland was once an extension of a branch of the Charente. La Pallue, an enclave within the parish of Gensac, became an independent commune during the Revolution. The two communes of Gensac and La Pallue were merged in 1857, with the exception of the villages of Roissac.

Gensac-la-Pallue is characterised by its marshes, to which the locals are very attached. The name ‘La Pallue’ comes from ‘palus’ (marshes). This wetland was once the extension of a branch of the River Charente. La Pallue, an enclave within the parish of Gensac, became an independent commune during the French Revolution. The two communes of Gensac and La Pallue were merged in 1857, with the exception of the villages of Roissac.

A route with very little elevation gain; the path is very easy to walk on, even in wet weather. At the start, you’ll pass the trout farming ponds. And nearby are some beautiful wine-growing estates.

A lovely walk through the Charentais vineyards, passing beautiful buildings and around the village of Roissac. Angeac- Champagne counts numerous prosperous-looking Charentais houses, witness to the wealth which lies in the local economy producing cognac, its principal occupation. The entrances to the estates are marked by a gate or porch way: there are at least 50. They are unique and typical of our local heritage. At Roissac village they embellish the main street.

A countryside walk that follows the paths of the Chagnolais countryside through vineyards and fields, forming a circular route that approaches the Domaine de Lavoissière to the north and leads to the Bossuet distillery to the south. You can visit the distillery before heading west to the Domaine de Nancrevant, where you can also stop off.

This route will allow you to discover the variety of landscapes in the Borderies region. The Coran valley from Saint-Brice-des-Bois to Saint-Sauvant runs alongside three villages where you will find places to eat as well as remarkable churches and monuments. Once past Saint-Sauvant, you will experience the secret side of the Borderies, where vineyards and farms can be discovered at the edge of a wood or in the hollow of a valley. Here, nature is less tamed than in the rest of the region.

Situated at an altitude of 25 metres, the River Né and the Motte stream are the main watercourses flowing through the commune of Saint-Fort-sur-le-Né. From certain vantage points, there are excellent views of the village, the dolmen, the vineyards, the Grande Champagne countryside and the other surrounding villages. Each season offers a chance to discover its own unique charms.

Beautiful views of Château de Bourg and the Cognac vineyards. A very pleasant return journey along the banks of the Charente.

This hike will take you to the heights of the commune of Chaniers to discover the view of the hillsides on the other side of the Charente, before returning along the river.

Situated at 25m altitude - the river Né and the Motte stream are the principal water courses which cross the locality. In certain places there are excellent views towards and from the village, the Dolmen, of the vineyards, the landscape of the Grande Champagne and surrounding villages. In every season you can discover a certain charm and appeal in St. Fort.

Perched on the heights of Romanesque Saintonge at an altitude of 78 metres, this small village lies at the heart of the Cognac vineyards. Scattered around the village centre, fifteen hamlets share the 271 inhabitants amidst the tranquillity of the countryside. The landscape consists mainly of farmland, vineyards and woodland. As the seasons change, discover a rich botanical and wildlife heritage worth preserving.

A short, peaceful circular on wide paths, in a wooded and hilly setting.

Juillac-Le-Coq is crossed by the Mothe stream, a tributary of the Charente. The village has a population of around 667. Wine-growing is its main industry.

Juillac-Le-Coq is crossed by the Mothe stream, a tributary of the Charente. The village has a population of around 667. Wine-growing is its main industry.

The hike is mostly in the woods, on dirt tracks as they say here. There is little elevation gain and very little tarmac. You are guaranteed to be surrounded by nature, with flora and fauna.

This 10 km circular will show you the very diverse landscapes of Saintonge. Two-thirds of the route is shaded by woods, one-third is through vineyards (we are in the "Fins Bois" area of the Cognac appellation) and a small third (thank you Pagnol) is in the two villages at the start and finish. The route is sometimes complicated, but the paths are well marked. The route was surveyed on site, so it is very reliable, even if it sometimes seems to stray from the paths marked on the IGN map (especially at the start).

Segonzac: the root of its name means 'strength, courage' in Gaulish. Archaeological digs have revealed a Neolithic inhabitation (approx. 5000 B.C) The Hundred Years' War persuaded the construction of numerous underground passages, which enabled the inhabitants to take refuge from extreme violence. Protestantism has, without a doubt, left its mark in the area, particularly with the Segonzacais. The first Reformed church was founded in 1558. Troubles occurred in 1562 and the parish church was burnt down. Today's Temple is the third constructed since the Edict of Nantes. According to a legend at the start of the 17th century, it was at Segonzac that a vintner named Chevalier de la Croix Maron invented double distillation.

The Gaul root of its name means 'strength, courage'. The Hundred Years War persuaded the construction of numerous underground passages, which enabled the inhabitants to take refuge from extreme violence. Without a doubt Protestantism has left its mark in the area, particularly with the Segonzacais. The first Reformed church was founded in 1558. Troubles occurred in 1562 and the parish church was burnt down. Today's Temple church is the third constructed since the Edict of Nantes.

A parish until the Revolution (1789), Verrières became a commune under the Constitution of Year VIII, dated 28 Pluviose. At that time, Verrières fell under the jurisdiction of two neighbouring seigneuries: Juillac-le-Coq and Ambleville, both subject to the chapter of Angoulême Cathedral. Verrières formed part of the canton of Lignières until 16 Brumaire, Year VI, after which it was attached to Segonzac. The commune now has a population of 375 (857 in 1870).

The commune is bordered to the south by the Né valley, towards which its land slopes gently. Vineyards, the main crop, cover more than two-thirds of the commune’s area and produce excellent, refined Grande Champagne brandies.

A pleasant walk through the medieval town of Pons, continuing into the surrounding countryside amongst vineyards, woods and fields. The start of the route offers a lovely stroll through the town of Pons, allowing you to take in its various features, culminating in its esplanade, castle and keep.

A walk in Pons along the River Seugne and through the town centre, the market and the keep. A short walk with a slight elevation gain, but without any difficulty and offering the coolness of the River Seugne’s banks.

A pleasant walk through a very open area of vineyards, various crops and woodland. The undulating terrain offers varied scenery, culminating in the Moulin d’Arthus hill, which provides a fine vantage point from which to appreciate the views. The area is crossed by the River Villier.

A beautiful walk through vineyards and small villages. Observation table at the foot of the Arthus mill. Pass very close to the village of Neuillac (4), with the church opposite. Between points (7) and (8), you can see the spire of Archiac church.

A lovely walk through the woods and vineyards of Petite Champagne around the River Né. Along the route, you’ll see fine examples of farmhouses with Charente-style gates, as well as old mills. The walk crosses the Île de Breuil after fording a stream. There are also fountains dotted along the route or nearby, including the Fontaine de Zade.

The village is crossed by the Collinaud, a tributary of the Né. Primarily focused on wine-growing, Ambleville also has fertile land for growing cereals.

The Collinaud, a tributary of the Né, flows through the village. Whilst Ambleville is primarily focused on wine-growing, it also has fertile land suitable for growing cereals.

A pleasant walk in Saintonge through a hilly, wooded area. This route allows you to discover the mix of vineyards and small woods, as well as the pretty Château d’Ardennes, the Manoir des Augers and various traditional buildings.

Starting from the car park at the church in Criteuil-la-Magdeleine, the route runs alongside the Né and Collinaud rivers and crosses the vineyards of the Grande Champagne region. Points of interest along the route include: the Church of Saint-Macrin - Saint Jean Baptiste, the Chapel of La Magdeleine, beautiful wine estates, the wash house, the drinking water pumping station, the remains of a watermill and windmill, and various viewpoints.