Montchaude walks

This hike can be enjoyed in all seasons, with paths that are very passable in winter and shaded in summer. Discover the sites of Montchaude, the 16th-century castle, the church rebuilt between 1895 and 1898, the Chapel of Saint-Mathurin lost in the middle of the woods, and many viewpoints along the way.

Discover the rich fauna and flora of the Né valley in this Natura 2000 classified area - a nature protected zone with many diverse and protected species and plants, such as the European Mink (a little known species near extinction) and wild orchids, as well as many other species naturally found in a preserved environment.

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.

The commune of Ambleville is crossed by the Collinaud, a stream tributary of the River Né, which includes wash-houses typically found in this area of Grande Champagne. During your walk you will have the chance to discover La Motte, a hamlet in this commune. Take the time to admire the rolling countryside and La Motte wash-house. This walk can be enjoyed with all the family, because children will find it fun to cross the Collinaud by way of the stepping stones.

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.

This circuit gives you the chance to discover rural heritage (springs, water sources, open air wash houses); and at each place, a description of its history is displayed. The route also highlights the architectural and historical heritage of the 13th century (Eglise Saint-Prohet, the Place Jacquaire, the protestant stele, the Chateau de Segeville) plus the various hamlets in the locality, flora and fauna.

The route passes through moorland with pine woods and several white clay quarries. The route starts at the Vallier pond estate and crosses the communes of Passirac, Guizengeard and Boisbreteau. The landscape of the Motte valley is remarkable.

A pleasant hike in the plains around the Seugne and Laurençanne rivers, starting from Saint-Maurice de Laurençanne. This route allows you to discover a variety of plains landscapes, as well as the foothills on which the village of Vibrac is built.

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.

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 beautiful hike to discover the countryside around Tugéras with its vineyards, woods and diverse crops. The route goes around the Bois du Pinier on a hill and offers beautiful landscapes before and after.

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.

A pleasant hike around Villexavier through the vineyards and the Bois de Fenis. It is an opportunity to discover peaceful landscapes with varied colours throughout the year and beautiful examples of built heritage. The path on either side of the Maine River enhances the end of the route.

The landscape varies along this route, first along the Charente river, then through vineyards, and now we are in the forest.

The shepherds who lived here built the Church of Saint-Surin in the 9th century. After the Revolution, this church was attached to Châteauneuf. Climbing a little higher, you can see the diversity of the surrounding landscapes, then descend along the Charente.

A pleasant hike in the countryside around Coux to discover this slightly hilly corner of Saintonge with its varied landscapes of vineyards, crops and woods. It is a very natural area despite the scattered hamlets. Beautiful examples of architectural heritage dot the route.

Meadows around the Charente river to the forest a little higher up. Beautiful landscapes and a variety of pleasant environments to walk through.

Starting from the charming little village of Saint-Simeux, discover the plateau where vines grow in abundance, dotted with small hamlets, each one more charming than the last, with their large old stone buildings.

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.

This walk takes you along the Charente river before returning to the starting point through the vineyards. A very peaceful and pleasant route.