Moncontour (Vienne) walks

A hike dominated by water, mostly along the various branches of the Dive river and in the shade of poplar trees. The route was designed and marked out by the Loudunais Community of Communes and certified by the Vienne departmental committee of the FFRP (French Federation of Hiking and Rambling).

Starting from a Gallo-Roman bridge, enjoy a pleasant walk along the Canal de la Dive, a beautiful old church, a keep, a vineyard conservatory and a passage through the woods. Most of the route was designed and marked out by the Loudunais Community of Communes and certified by the Vienne departmental committee of the FFRP (French Federation of Hiking and Rambling).

A heritage hike in the countryside and woods of Haut Poitou with two Renaissance-style castles up close and a Romanesque church. Route designed and marked by the Vienne departmental committee of the FFRP.

On the border between Poitou and Touraine, this route takes you to several dolmens and a "mound" where large slabs were gathered by our Neolithic ancestors. The hike alternates between fields and woodland and passes through pretty villages with beautiful tuffeau stone houses and troglodyte cellars. Route designed and marked by the Loudunais Community of Communes.

Route passing through the Vallée du Pressoir (classified as a Natura 2000 site since March 2025) then the left bank of the Thouet valley from Pommiers to Sainte-Radegonde. Pass through Saint-Jacques-de-Thouars on the left bank of the Thouet, then Saint-Jean-de-Thouars, the Cirque de Missé and return to Thouars on the right bank of the Thouet via the GR®36. The hike also offers views of the town of Thouars, with its historic monuments and rich heritage.

Leaving Sainte-Radegonde, you will discover the Pressoir valley, newly classified as a Natura 2000 nature reserve, then the west and south facades of Thouars, located on the promontory with the Thouet river flowing at its feet. Next, pass through Saint-Jean-de-Thouars, which overlooks the Thouet valley, the fortifications, the castle on its rocky spur, and the three large and remarkable natural meanders: Saint-Jean, Le Châtellier and Missé. Enjoy the superb valley and then enter Thouars at the foot of the castle ramparts.

A short hike mainly through fields, discovering a beautiful Romanesque church (later remodelled) and a beautiful Renaissance castle. There are a few views of the countryside.

The Ruisseau du Pressoir stream flows through a narrow, deep valley marked by the Cascade de Pommiers waterfall. Some steep slopes overlooking the stream from a height of around 40 metres make this wild and picturesque valley a unique natural environment in the Thouarsais region.

A circular route in the heart of the Loudunais vineyards (AOP Saumur) and along the canalised Dive river. You can enjoy a beautiful panorama from the ruins of a windmill, pass through pretty villages with troglodyte cellars and walk past the foot of an ancient fortified castle with moats that are still visible. Route designed and marked by the Loudunais Community of Communes, and certified by the Vienne departmental committee of the FFRP (French Federation of Hiking and Rambling).

A hike mainly through fields, with two beautiful heritage sites, the Collegiate Church of Saint-Georges (12th century) at the start and a dovecote a little over halfway along the route. There are some beautiful views along the way.

This hike is a shorter version of the one offered by the Deux Sèvres hiking website, which has the same name. You will follow small roads and country lanes near the Ruisseau du Magot Natura 2000 site.

From Seuilly to Cinais, this walk with its valleys, woods, moors, panoramic views and famous character François Rabelais offers a very varied stroll. Walk in the footsteps of the famous writer.

A beautiful hike through the Touraine countryside, where fields alternate with woods, culminating in a pond where many birds nest.

The village of Brézé lies in the shadow of a castle steeped in history. It was to a member of the Dreux family, owners of Brézé, that Mirabeau addressed his famous reply on 23 June 1789: " We are here by the will of the people, and we shall only leave by force of bayonets." Grassy or stony towpaths along the Thouet and the Dive Canal.

A peaceful walk along the Veude river, then up the hillsides for a panoramic view, before visiting the remarkable Saint-Louis Chapel.

This hike combines nature and heritage and offers a pleasant walk through the forest and countryside. It is best done before or after a visit to the abbey, which is a major Romanesque site.

Verchers-sur-Layon has an unusual history, comprising 15 hamlets, some of which are actual villages. It was formed in 1818 by the merger of three parishes: Saint-Just, Saint-Pierre and La Lande. This union was marked by architectural richness, with a rather exceptional heritage (the church of Saint-Just, the châteaux of Échuilly and Bussy-Fontaine, etc.) and renowned wine-growing. A journey through the heart of the vineyards.

Short hike through woods and fields in the Auxance valley.

This route allows you to discover the beautiful architectural heritage of Chinon, as well as the banks of the Vienne, the Île de Tours, the troglodyte dwellings on the hillsides and a foray into the vineyards that also contribute to the reputation of this charming little town.

This beautiful and varied route takes you past a hillside of troglodyte houses, through some of the most beautiful plots of the Chinon vineyards - Le Clos de l'Olive, Le Clos Guillot, Le Chêne Vert, Le Coteau de Noiré - and back through the woods along a small stream that flows into the Vienne.

Shaded route using dirt tracks and a few sections of tarmaced local roads.