Poitou-Charentes walks

A pleasant walk passing by the Passe aux boeufs causeway, then around an island steeped in history. Numerous and varied views of the surrounding islands and coastline.

A short, easy walk with superb views of the rocky coast and the neighbouring mainland coast. Best done in the morning when the paths are deserted, the sun is not too hot and the light is magical.

The old Crazannes quarries offer a surprising landscape of steep stone cliffs and narrow gorges. The resistant white stone has been used to build or restore monuments such as Fort Boyard. Les Lapidiales offers visitors a free, open-air museum, where the excavations left by the quarrymen give the impression of being in the middle of a giant labyrinth, and where the sculptures are a delight to discover.

A very refreshing hike along the Gironde estuary.

Circuit in the middle of the Poitevin marshes, following the Sèvre Niortaise between Magné and Coulon on the way back.

A magnificent walk around Ars en Ré. From the banks of the Fier, pass through the salt marshes to reach the Martray sea wall, the Combe à l'Eau forest and return to the Fier and the port of Ars. The black and white bell tower, which serves as a landmark for local sailors, is always in view.

This hike allows you to discover two links in the chain of defences that protected Rochefort in the 17th and 18th centuries. The route, which largely follows the coast, is easy and does not present any navigation difficulties.

A very pleasant walk with magnificent scenery. You will pass along fine sandy beaches, close to magnificent fishing huts and sumptuous limestone cliffs in which real troglodyte cities have been carved out (Regulus and Matata caves). A visit to the seaside resort of Meschers will precede your return through the Suzac forest.⚠️ 16/04/2025: Route modified on the hike sheet due to passage through private property.

One of the most beautiful walks on the Fouras peninsula: from the banks of the Charente to the Espérance beach in Fouras, it takes in the islands and forts that protected the Rochefort harbour.

A pleasant walk that begins with a passage through a nature reserve (salt marshes and nature reserve - the main refuge for many migratory birds from November to May) and then continues through the "petit bois de trousse chemise" (small wood) beloved by Aznavour. The return trip along the beach to the whale lighthouse offers a complete change of scenery. Sumptuous panorama from the top of the lighthouse.

After passing through the small village of Ars-en-Ré with its typical narrow streets, you will follow the Fier d'Ars to the ocean. You will then finish your walk by following the beach back to the starting point.

Hike in the heart of the Marais Poitevin (wet marshes) starting from Arçais.

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's a walk to stroll at your own pace through the village's different natural environments. This route will take you from the narrow streets to the forest and from the coast to the former salt marshes of the Grands Prés, now a major site for biodiversity on the Île de Ré.

Hike under the holm oaks of the coastal path, at the top of the cliffs overlooking the mouth of the Gironde estuary, through the Suzac Forest and the beaches of Meschers-sur-Gironde or Saint-Georges-de-Didonne. Along the way, you'll see the remains of the Atlantic Wall, and offshore, the famous Cordouan lighthouse, known as the Versailles of the sea. To the right, looking towards the mouth of the river, you'll see Royan and Saint-Georges-de-Didonne.

A beautiful walk along Frace Lake, which is popular for fishing and walking, and on through the little town of Aigrefeuille-d'Aunis, where you can visit the Ouchettes cheese dairy and goat farm.

A very pleasant stroll through the streets of La Rochelle will allow you to discover the old town and all its charms.

Short hike through woods and fields in the Auxance valley.

A seaside walk to discover Port des Minimes: the Atlantic's leading marina. Please note that it is forbidden to approach the edge of the cliffs.

A walk along four beaches and cliffs between Meschers and Saint-Georges de Didonne. It can be shortened by almost 6 km by not making the round trip to the Vallières lighthouse on Saint-Georges beach. The walk will be easier if the tide is not too high, as the route follows the beaches.

The commune of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains is located at the south-western tip of the Île d'Oléron, bathed by the Pertuis de Maumusson and the Coureau d'Oléron. Its large sandy beaches, pine forest, mimosa trees and mild climate make Saint-Trojan-les-Bains a very popular seaside resort.

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….

A beautiful walk along the Charente coastline, between Pointe de la Répentie and Port du Plomb. Beautiful views of the Île de Ré bridge, the northern shore of the island and the Vendée coast, separated by the Pertuis Breton.

The smallest village and port on the Île de Ré, in the heart of the salt marshes. A very peaceful peninsula, bordered to the east by the Fosse de Loix and to the west by the Fier d'Ars. The small village of Loix is very lively in summer.

This walk will take you along the coastline of Anse de Fouras, with its variously designed and decorated carrelets (fishing huts). Enjoy the beautiful maritime atmosphere and heritage.

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.

Do you enjoy nature and history? You'll love this walk!

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.

Most of the route follows the coastal path between the Baie d'Yves nature reserve and the town of Fouras. You will pass numerous fishing pontoons along the way and can visit Fort Vauban at the mouth of the Charente. The landscape will look completely different depending on the tide.

During this hike, you will discover numerous fountains and wash houses, of course, but also the castle and park of Dilay, the Doré, Saumort and Autize valleys, the Pouzay house and dovecote, the Chaillot arboretum and perhaps... La Galipote.

Bois-Plage-en-Ré is the seaside resort of the Ile de Ré with long beaches lined with dunes. It is also a wine producing region with plenty of wooded areas.

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.

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.

Located in the commune of Saint-Hilaire-La-Pallud, the start is at a place called Monfaucon in the small car park near the pier. The route begins with a small paved road to the place called La Roche. This start is not the most interesting, but you will quickly forget it as you discover the wild marshland, first along the Vieux Mignon and then the canals, which you follow on a small white gravel path.

The first part of the route takes you along the coastal trail with a section around the outskirts of the small ports of Lauzières and Plomb. Small viewing points are scattered along the route giving you the chance to observe the Pertuis Breton and the Ile de Ré and its bridge. The return leg takes you around the outskirts of the Nieul-Sur-Mer communes and then L'Houmeau.

A varied circuit, sometimes in the sun in the vineyards sometimes in the forest. A very pleasant walk in the middle of the countryside.

This is a short loop in the Marais Poitevin, starting at the Croix des Marys and following the Mignon canal before returning along the Sèvre Niortaise.Please note: read the comments in the Practical Information section

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.

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.

A gentle walk, a varied route through countryside and forest.

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.

Petite randonnée au départ de Jazeneuil avec des paysage variés, des parties dégagées, des chemins creux à faire en toutes saisons pour découvrir châteaux, maisons médiéval, fontaines.

Set off to discover the miraculous fountain of Bellevau in the commune of Sers (16). This place is a real gem, home to an underground chapel and a fountain set in a green and cool setting. Arriving via the mule track, you will pass the remains of troglodyte dwellings until you reach the chapel, part of which is underground (private property). Behind the chapel, on the side of the rock and sheltered by trees, a few cavities house religious emblems and signs of contemplation.

Pranzac is a small commune in Charente with a rich feudal past. The association "Les secrets de Pranzac" is involved in the partial reconstruction of the Château des Comtes des Cars.Our walk will first take us around the old seigneurial park of the castle, then continue along the valley, crossing fords and footbridges.

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 peaceful walk in the Marais Poitevin along the banks of the canals and the Sèvre Niortaise, where you will pass beautiful houses with blue shutters typical of the region.

This circuit will take you through wooded and open areas, along dirt and stone paths, and along an old Roman road. Near this road, on 19 June 1944, an American Boeing B17-G bomber crashed at a place called Fond Péron. To commemorate this event, a memorial stone has been erected at the edge of the Roman road. From this stone, signs point to the actual crash site, about 500 metres away to the north, where a small memorial, restored in 2024, awaits your visit in complete tranquillity.

This is an easy walk between the Canal du Mignon and the marshes. Wear good walking or hiking shoes as, depending on the season and how well the banks are maintained, you may encounter tall grass in places or muddy paths.

A very pleasant walk in the woods starting from the Lac du Lambon car park. The circuit runs alongside the Lambon before leading to an old mill where there is a stone bridge to cross the river. The climb then continues along the ruins of the old village of Jean Migault, leading to the path taken on the way there, which you follow to return to the car park.