Saint-Martin-de-Bernegoue walks

A long walk across the Niort-Brioux plain, taking in open fields and hillsides. The landscape varies greatly, from the plateau at the start of the route to the Guirande valley, ending near L’Abîme after passing at the foot of Le Peu.

Be extremely careful when walking along the D124 road (approximately 180 to 200 m) as vehicles travel very fast. This is the only "negative" part of this short walk, but it is important to note it. To avoid missing them, pay attention to points (3) and (4), which are not field/meadow entrances but grassy paths. No difficulty.

A lovely walk around the Guirande in the plain to the south-west of Prahecq. This easy route winds through a hedgerow-lined countryside where the paths meander between the Guirande and intermittent streams.

A pleasant walk across the plains through fairly wooded countryside around Brulain. The route offers the chance to discover peaceful natural surroundings and architectural heritage as you pass through the villages of Vieux Brulain, Fayolle and Availle. The route passes close to the Château de la Motte du Bois.

A pleasant walk north-east of Fors in countryside alternating between hedgerows and open fields. The very natural route also allows you to explore the built heritage, ancient witnesses to the past.

A walk with little elevation gain on the Mellois plateau in the Sainte-Blandine area. This route alternates between farm tracks and quiet country lanes used only by local residents. This walk offers the chance to see Poitou donkeys when they are out in the pastures or grey mares (at several points along the route).

A pleasant walk through the countryside around Marigny, taking in the northern edge of the Chizé Forest. This route offers a chance to get close to nature away from major roads, with varied scenery. It’s a place where you might spot roe deer or birds.

A very natural route, crossing the northern tip of the Chizé Forest in the first section and the countryside to the west of Marigny in the second. This route, with its varied and relaxing landscapes, offers a peaceful experience. You may spot does or roe deer and birds in this area. Marigny was the birthplace of a great Poitevin bard: Yves Rabaut.

This route allows you to discover: the church of the former parish of Mairé, the porch of an old farm in Haut-Mairé, the old wash house in Bas-Mairé, the Motte Saint-Denis, the Saint-Pierre church and the 12th-century Hosannière Cross. All this while travelling through the countryside on pleasant flat paths that cross the Guirande (a tributary of the Sèvre Niortaise).

A lovely walk on the Mellois plateau. Very little elevation gain. An easy route offering a glimpse of the countryside surrounding the town of Périgné. This walk follows good farm tracks, often shaded, and offers a lovely glimpse of a still-wooded area of the Mellois plateau. The quality of the paths also makes this hike suitable for mountain biking.

This pleasant route will take you through several charming little villages that have retained their character. The first part of the route follows quiet, little-used roads, ideal for enjoying the peaceful landscape. The second part mainly follows dirt tracks, closer to nature. Throughout the hike, you will regularly follow the Belle and the Béronne, two rivers that bring freshness and gentleness to the route. You will also discover some traces of the local heritage, such as mills, wash houses and other water-related structures, which bear witness to the rural history of the region. A varied route, combining villages, nature and heritage, perfect for a rejuvenating walk.

A very nature-oriented walk in the Chizé Forest, starting from the Maison Forestière du Pas Trop Fort. The heavily shaded route allows you to explore a well-structured forest in the first section, with forest lanes, paths, etc. The second section follows a path that winds more, breaking up the monotony one sometimes feels in the forest.

A pleasant walk around the River Belle between the villages of Montigné and Verrines-sous-Celles. Along this route, you’ll find beautiful views of the Belle Valley, wash houses and traditional buildings. But also river crossings over stone bridges, wash houses and wells, the church at Verrines and, next to it, a bread oven.

A pleasant walk around the River Belle, exploring unspoilt countryside and significant built heritage (the church and cemetery at Verrines, family cemeteries, old houses, etc.). The fairly undulating route offers beautiful scenery with varied colours depending on the crops and small woodlands.

This walk offers the chance to explore the varied hedgerow landscape around Périgné between the rivers Belle and Béronne. It is also an opportunity to see Saint-Martin’s Church in Périgné, the wash houses at La Fontaine, Paillette and La Grésolle, the Belle Valley, the Prérault Pond, and the châteaux of La Guittonnière and La Grésolle. The route mainly follows farm tracks, with a few sections along quiet roads.

A route designed to help you discover springs and wash houses located near the River Belle between Périgné and Montigné. The route alternates between farm tracks and quiet country lanes (as evidenced by the grass growing there). The walk passes close to the Château de la Forge and alongside the Château de la Guittonnière

A very pleasant walk through woodland, with the River Lambon as an added bonus. Very, very little urban area. Varied scenery.

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.

A short walk across the plain between Vernoux-sur-Boutonne and Périgné. It offers the chance to discover the traditional architectural heritage of Vernoux-sur-Boutonne and the natural heritage, such as the Foncoubert wash house and fountain, and the landscapes of the plain.

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 little walk along both banks of the Béronne between Vernoux-sur-Boutonne and Vilaine (de Périgné). Beautiful scenery and some lovely discoveries, such as the wash house at Foncoubert (Foucambert according to other sources), fine examples of traditional architecture and a delightful natural environment.

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

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.

In order to preserve the richness of its environmental heritage, the Grand Boussseau Forest has been designated a Sensitive Natural Area. As such, it benefits from the Deux-Sèvres Departmental Council's environmental preservation and education policy. This short trail invites you to discover this protected environment.