Saint-Maixent-l'École walks

This short 9 km circular loop will take you to the Puits d'Enfer site. This site is famous for its legend and is an area of ecological interest due to the presence of rare species. There you will discover a breathtaking view of the town of Saint-Maixent-L'École and its abbey church. You will walk along country lanes and small roads. You will follow the railway line linking La Rochelle to Paris and the Ruisseau du Puits d'Enfer stream, which is sometimes dry in summer.

This short hike takes place in two towns: Azay-le-Brûlé, between trails and dirt roads, not far from the shopping area, and Saint-Maixent-l'École, with decking along the Sèvre Niortaise river and in the town streets.

A lovely hike near Saint-Maixent that allows you to discover the landscapes on either side of the Sèvre Niortaise. This route also allows you to discover beautiful traditional and modern architecture, wash houses and the splendour of nature in a fairly wild area.

A peaceful hike in the countryside around Exiroise and Nanteuillaise. This circular hike, marked by the presence of several streams, takes you through villages, across a ford and past a 19th-century private cemetery.

Short hike south-east of Nanteuil to explore the countryside. Go around Mont Alaric, pass through the hamlet of Pallu, then cross the Ruisseau de Magnerolles valley after the Bois de Fayes. Return via the Grandes Maisons and the Dolmen la Pierre Levée.

Hike starting from Ricou. The trail first joins the approximately five-hectare Ricou quarry geosite, located on the right bank of the Sèvre Niortaise river in the commune of Azay-le-Brûlé. It consists of an open-air quarry formerly exploited for its limestone of varying types used as building material (rubble stone). Leaving the site, the route descends into the Sèvre Niortaise valley and leads to Veillon, before turning right onto the other bank of the river to reach the first houses of Sainte-Néomaye. You will then have to cross the Sèvre again to return to Ricou after passing through La Corbelière.

This walk between Souvigné and the Sèvre Niortaise valley offers a chance to discover varied landscapes of hillsides, woods and plains. The Bois des Challoteries is typical of the area’s lovely forests. Furthermore, the many villages and hamlets you pass through provide an opportunity to discover the traditional architecture of southern Deux-Sèvres

This short hike takes place in the commune of Souvigné, on paths and small country roads. You will pass through several hamlets, three wash houses and several Protestant cemeteries.

This hike starting from the Pont de Sainte-Néomaye car park (on the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise) is an excellent suggestion. It is a route that allows you to discover the rural charm of the Deux-Sèvres, between valleys and small typical hamlets, while remaining accessible to all levels. Dirt tracks, forest paths and small tarmac roads (local roads). The Chemin de la Crépinière is a green introduction that runs partly along wooded areas. The gradient is very gentle, ideal for warming up your legs at a leisurely pace. The circular hamlet route: Mons, Fenioux and Kadoré. The route then revolves around three authentic villages: Mons: A peaceful passage where you can appreciate the local stone architecture. Fenioux: A central crossing point that often offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Kadoré: The last hamlet before heading back down to the valley. Gently descend towards the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise.

Heading for Romans (79). They say walking is the fountain of youth in Deux-Sèvres... Is this legend true? For this local outing, the ice axes and oxygen masks have been put away: we’ve focused on enjoyment, the great outdoors and a route accessible to all. Starting from the school car park, Romans Town Hall, Rue du Prieuré, let’s start with the vast and peaceful Maupré plain. We’ll skirt respectfully around the Logis de Vieux Romans. A quiet passage, almost on tiptoe, so as not to disturb the (benevolent!) ghosts of the past. Head towards La Garde and La Guittonnerie via the grassy service paths, perfect for unwinding without tiring yourself out. A bucolic detour along the Chemin de la Mare, a crossing of the Plaine de La Règle, before returning to the heart of Romans via Rue de la Garenne. A circular route that's ideal for those who love history as much as they love the great outdoors, without ending the day completely knackered.

In the commune of Exireuil, this short route follows the eastern bank of the La Touche Poupard reservoir.Starting from the Lachereau sailing club car park, it partly follows the GR®364 trail, passes through the Bois de la Vergne and Bois de Chantoiseau woods, and joins the Clavé au Pommier road.

A very beautiful walk to discover a section ofthe GR® de Pays des Marches de Gâtine along Lac de la Touche Poupard. This route offers lovely views and magnificent scenery, made all the more enjoyable by the frequent sunshine.

A route along shaded paths, between mossy stone walls and on white paths or small, quiet roads, around the Hermitain stream and the Sèvre Niortaise. Stone footbridges, a 12th-century bridge, renovated old mills and many other points of interest make this hike well worth the effort. This route, marked in yellow, has been modified and shortened due to the closure of the Grand Moulin footbridge, which is awaiting restoration.

This unmarked hike will first take you through the village of Augé and its narrow streets, then along paths that will lead you to the Montbrune stream via several footbridges and through a few pretty villages with their wash houses. The end of the route is on the old Deux-Sèvres tramway line (TDS).

A pleasant and original walk around Salles. After passing through the countryside north of the village, this route allows you to explore the banks of the Pamproux along a very natural path via good grassy tracks not shown on the map. This route offers an insight into interesting built and natural heritage (wash houses, springs, old buildings, etc.).

A very pleasant walk on good paths, mostly in the shade. Along the route, you’ll discover fountains, wash houses, ponds, the Dame de Chambrille and the Hermitain Forest, not to mention a wild stretch along the Grenats stream.

This hiking route in fairly hilly terrain allows you to discover the Cougnat fountain and wash house, family cemeteries, the Paradis fountain and wash house, remarkable "talles", the Perrière fountain and its pond, the Chagnasses woods, the Garennerie fountain and the Savrelle wash house fountain. This hike highlights a geological fault that runs from Saint-Maixent to Lezay, separating the Mellois plateau from a collapse trench where the Sèvre Niortaise river flows.

A pleasant walk around the Soleil Levant lake behind the Clavé dam bridge. The route follows both banks in turn along paths that are steep in places, offering lovely scenery and fine views of Lac de la Touche Poupard. The walk takes in a landscape information board, the Church of Notre-Dame de Clavé, the Gros Chêne fountain, old hamlets and the Clavé garden.

This circular route takes you along the Soleil Levant lake, along theGR® 364 andGRP® des Marches de Gâtine footpaths, and to the village of Les Nénéens.

This is an easy route that runs along the right bank of the Touche Poupard reservoir, crosses a few small streams that partially feed the dam, and passes through a few hamlets in Saint-Georges-de-Noisné. Part of the GRP® des Marches de Gâtine and GR®364 trails are used. Waterproof walking shoes with good gripping soles are recommended in case of recent rainfall.

A very pleasant walk with plenty of shaded areas.

A pleasant walk around the Touche-Poupard reservoir, presenting no difficulty other than its length. There are plenty of spots along the route where you can stop for a nice break.

This hike takes place in the commune of La Crèche, along dirt tracks and tarmac sections. The trail runs alongside and crosses the Sèvre Niortaise river several times. It passes through several villages in La Crèche. You will come across several family cemeteries, some of which are buried under brambles. Along the route, there are four wash houses: Pairé near the football stadium, Ruffigny, Saint-Martin and at the Barilleau mill. In Breloux, there is an old temple and a deconsecrated church.

Ce parcours comporte des chemins variés, assez peu de route. Il est à faire plutôt en été, automne (chemins assez humides). Il faut soit des poneys aguerris, soit être prêt à quitter sa monture pour lui montrer le passage en 2 ou 3 endroits. Il n'y a qu'1 ou 2 chemins où le galop est possible. Beaucoup de pas, du trot de temps à autre. À éviter les après-midis en week-end du fait de la présence de piétons autour du lac à Clavé.

A pleasant hike to discover the Argentière and Hermitain streams. The route crosses the western part of the Hermitain Forest and allows you to enjoy the peaceful nature of this bocage area to the north and east of Prailles. This route offers a beautiful introduction to the local heritage with Protestant family cemeteries, wash houses, the Monastery of Piè Foulard, as well as old houses and farms.

A lovely short hike starting from Prailles, a mainly rural village. This is a wooded area criss-crossed by numerous hiking trails, much to the delight of nature lovers. During the walk, the path passes close to the Grand Ry wash house. This largely shaded route is therefore very pleasant even in hot weather. What's more, as it is on a plateau, hikers can regularly feel the effects of the wind.

It’s all in the title! No fewer than eight wash houses on this circular route. There are numerous springs in this area, which are said to have given the village its name: “Aigues” meaning water and “O’nay”, to spring forth. A small stream called the Aigonnay flows through Écrebis, where there used to be a mill; it joins the Lambon, which flows to the south-west.

A short route in the countryside, near the water, with beautiful monuments, including wash houses.

This walk takes place entirely within the commune of Fomperron. You’ll walk along sections of road (taking care) and pleasant, easy paths. You’ll pass through the village of Le Marchais with its wash house and walk alongside the Bois des Boules.

A pleasant hike around Aigonnay, offering a wonderful opportunity to discover a rich architectural and natural heritage. In particular, the Logis du Breuil, the wash houses and fountains of Arrignon, Trébot, etc., and beautiful landscapes along the Aigonnay river.

A pleasant walk that begins in the Forêt de l'Hermitain, continues through the open countryside near Trémont after following the Chambrille stream, then across the plain near La Villédé and Vivier before returning to the Forêt de l'Hermitain via the Bois de la Gandissière.

A beautiful hike over varied terrain: the first part is in the gently rolling hills near La Couarde, followed by the second part through the Hermitain Forest. This route offers a wealth of discoveries: the Patriarch (a remarkable oak tree), the Font Querré fountain (see the legend described in the "During the hike" section), and the Stèle du Parterre.

A pleasant hike around the Lambon, which is crossed several times via magnificent stone bridges. It begins with a bucolic route between old stone walls, traces of the laborious work of our ancestors.

This walk takes you through the villages of La Crèche and Vouillé. You’ll follow dirt tracks and small roads, most of which are shaded. The walk passes through the village of Villeneuve. Near Bimard (in the village of Vouillé), you might spot a herd of Angora goats (at La Ferme de l’Accroche Cœur).

A pleasant hike on either side of the Lambon at the gateway to Niort in a little-known, peaceful countryside with varied landscapes. This route also allows you to discover a high-quality ancient built heritage with beautiful properties, a dovecote, etc.