Saint-Fort-sur-Gironde walks

The vine-covered hillsides of the Gironde are dotted with small hills planted with various crops and vines. The landscapes open up along the paths leading to the estuary. The marshes can be seen from the Beaumont hill. There you will discover a cone-shaped tower dating from the 19th century, but whose first constructions probably date back to the Middle Ages. Even today, the Beaumont Tower still serves as a navigation landmark.

A very refreshing hike along the Gironde estuary.

"Muddy waters"! With its muddy waters, the Gironde estuary is every bit as impressive as the Mississippi. On the edge of this austere expanse sits one of the most beautiful villages in France, Talmont-sur-Gironde.

This walk takes you from the charming port of Goulée to the picturesque site of Richard Lighthouse via the port of Richard. It alternates between paths, quiet roads and natural areas. Along this easy route, you will discover all aspects of the estuary: ports, marshes, vineyards and historical heritage.

Starting from the church in Saint-Izan-de-Médoc, this circular route takes you around the former viscountcy of Castillon, which in the Middle Ages had the privilege and exclusive right to trade wine from the Médoc to England. It will allow you to appreciate the unique natural features of this part of the Médoc.

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.

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 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.

The Vallières and Suzac headlands mark the ends of the long beach at Saint-Georges-de-Didonne. First skirting the former, you pass by the lighthouse that makes the place so photogenic. Then, after a long walk from one end of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne beach to the other, you reach Suzac Point, which is much wilder. The destination of the walk is Suzac beach, a little gem nestled between two points.

This route allows you to discover Sablonceaux Abbey in the middle of the fields from several angles. The route passes through woods, fields, vineyards and horse farms, giving you an insight into the diversity of agricultural activities around Sablonceaux.

Discover Saintes, a town steeped in history, cradled by the waves of the Charente.

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.

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.

A delightful, easy walk to discover the marshes surrounding the picturesque village of Mornac-sur-Seudre.

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….