Saint-Martin-de-Saint-Maixent walks

A short, easy hike along the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise, Le Malaquet, Piozay, Veillon, Gentray, Chauvet, Boisne and the Beauvais plain.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

A bucolic route with some elevation, partly following the paths marked out by the municipality around the Brangeard, Marcusson and Musson rivers. Some sections are steep and others may be flooded depending on the season.

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 beautiful hike to discover Cherveux with its temple, castle, well and Ripe-Cul staircase, the Plan pump (1880) and a sundial (1836). Along the route, you will find several family cemeteries, the Trousse Chemise wash house, the Mousson valley, the old Truite windmill, the Cherveux - Saint-Christophe lake, hundred-year-old chestnut trees and the Logis de Seneuil.

A pleasant hike in the Sèvre Niortaise Valley, on the outskirts of Niort. Despite the city being quite close, this route allows you to discover a preserved natural area with good paths. The alternating passage between small hills and valley bottoms offers beautiful landscapes. Along the way, you will get a beautiful view of the Château de Vandelaigne and a few other architectural gems.

A short hike near Ménigoute, with beautiful monuments such as the Gothic Boucard Chapel and the Château de Montifault, which also offers beautiful landscapes thanks in particular to the chirons (the local name for granite boulders).

Ménigoute has become famous worldwide thanks to FIFO, the ornithological film festival, the38th edition of which took place in late October/early November 2022. The hike (inspired by a hike posted on the Saint-Martin Loisirs association website) follows theGR®®364trail along steep, sometimes narrow paths. You have to use the road, first the D21 (for 900 m) and then the D58 (for 600 m), where you should take care.

For the second year running, the International Ornithological Film Festival is hosting an outdoor exhibition along the paths around the village of Ménigoute. Set off to explore the small sunken paths that surround the village. Fifty photos are spread over a 2.9 km route through the bocage. Pollarded trees, streams, meadows and hedges will surround you along the way. Follow the arrows! Be sure to wear suitable footwear and clothing.