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Saint-Pompain walks
Around the Autize via Les Moulières and Tourteron
A route that follows the River Autize, passes near Château des Moulières, then takes a footpath and reaches the village of Tourteron via agricultural tracks. After a detour to the fountain and wash house in Tourteron, the walk continues across the plain dotted with wind turbines, then follows or runs alongside an old railway line, passes under a viaduct and returns along the meadows bordering the Autize to the Moulin de Dray before climbing back up to Saint-Pompain.
On the edge of the Gâtine region in Coulonges-sur-l'Aurize
South-west of the Gâtine Parthenaise, starting from Coulonges-sur-l'Autize, this hike takes you from the plains of southern Vendée to the more hilly Gâtine Parthenaise, from farmland to bocage.
Paths to wash houses and fountains around Ardin
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.
Route from Béceleuf to Roc Cervelle via La Chancelée and L'Autize
A pleasant walk offering beautiful views.
The Autize Valley starting from Béceleuf
A pleasant walk starting from Béceleuf, with its Romanesque church, exploring the Autize Valley with its dovecotes, castles and manor houses, not to mention the numerous wash houses and mills in this area rich in heritage and nature, such as the Chêne de Pouzay. As you walk, be sure to look out for the Gâtine barriers, reminders of the past.
Les Peux and the Chemin du Lisier
From the ruins of the old fortified castle, passing by the Church of Sainte-Eulalie (a listed historic monument), follow the Peux, a network of small footpaths with evocative names: Peu des Demoiselles, Peu des Ânesses, Peu de chez Gognar, Peu de Gâte-Bourse… you will discover the village of Benet, which stretches across two hills crossed by Rue de la Combe, beneath which flows the Vrizon.
The Bois Riveau and Grands Bois route
Merger of two very well-marked routes, marked in two colours: yellow-orange and yellow-blue.
The route is mostly shaded and very pleasant in the Poitevin marshes!
From Port d'Aziré to Marais des Nattes
Walking along the Rigole d'Aziré to the Courdault canal, then returning via the Marais des Nattes, you may spot some nutria, purple herons or lapwings, and perhaps even a deer or two.
Walk at Port d'Aziré
This is an easy, short walk that allows you to discover the wild side of the Green Venice. In the heart of nature, you will always be close to the water, in the shade of pollarded ash trees and poplars. And you may even be lucky enough to spot some nutria or deer.
Saumort to Autise footbridge trail
A route close to the river with beautiful shaded paths.
Meilleraie loop to Saint-Michel-le-Cloucq
Hike around La Meilleraie with a mostly shaded first section and some unpaved paths, forming a pleasant green tunnel in summer. The second part of the circuit is more open, with a section on the plain. This second part can be avoided by going directly from point (6) to point (9).
The Racounette Wash House
Beautiful views and a few wash houses enhance this route, the first part of which is shared with the Logis de Pichenin trail.
La Garenne - Courdault in the wild marshlands
A short route through the wild marshes of Courdault.
Fourbeau to Les Ritraisses route in the Egray valley
A pretty, hilly route, mainly shaded, which leads through the countryside between three rivers, from the village of Fourbeau to Les Ritraisses via two different paths.
The Path of Françoise d'Aubigné
You can admire the Romanesque church of Sciecq before crossing the Sèvre Niortaise on a chain boat. You will then see the Château de Mursay, where Françoise d'Aubigné was raised, before walking along a shaded path overlooking the river. In the village of Surimeau, you will cross the Sèvre again at the Moulin d'Âne and take the Chemin des Pêcheurs between the Sèvre and the Bois des Touches to reach the Moulin de Compéré before heading back up towards Chantemerle and returning to the starting point.
Please note: the chain boat will be removed on Friday 8 September 2023 for maintenance. It will probably not be put back until the end of March next year, except perhaps for Heritage Days. (information from town staff) There is no alternative crossing available...
Le Gué Verdon
At the start, quiet country lanes with panoramic views of Fontenay-le-Comte and the surrounding countryside; then, after passing through the village of Meilleraie, shaded paths and tracks running alongside the Vendée river not far from the Albert dam, before climbing up to Saint-Michel-le-Cloucq.
Jean dôs Bois Trail
Starting from Saint-Michel-le-Cloucq, 5 km north of Fontenay-le-Comte, you will first walk along shaded paths around the Vendée and its tributary, the Ruisseau de la Cornelière. (difficult section, uneven path) then, passing by the Fontaine à l'Ermite, you will cross part of the Mervent forest and reach Saint-Michel via quiet paths and small roads, with beautiful panoramic views.
The Faymoreau Glassworks
Former mining basin, Faymoreau Petite Cité de Caractère in Vendée.
Worth visiting for its geological history, its mining museum, its miners' houses and its miners' chapel with its stained glass windows.
A walk through the countryside on an old railway line, along the banks of the river "La Vendée" and through orchards.
Chemin de la Mine and Bas de Soie
Starting from the Faymoreau Mining Centre, this route follows the mine path (an old railway line) and then continues through the countryside and orchards to reach the national forest (to be avoided during the hunting season).
Around the Jeune Autise in Maillezais
This path between the "wet" and "dry" marshes, passing by a characteristic feature of the marsh (the Aqueduct), will take you from the Romanesque church to the majestic Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Maillezais.
Loop starting from Coulon
Circuit in the middle of the Poitevin marshes, following the Sèvre Niortaise between Magné and Coulon on the way back.
Between the Sèvre Niortaise and the marshes in Magné
Starting from Coulon, you will walk along the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise for more than 5 km to reach the village of Magné, which you will cross to reach the Epineaux marsh and return to your starting point.
A short trip on the Green Venice
A boat trip on the Green Venice towards Coulon.
The wild marshes of Le Mazeau
A walk in the wild marshes of Le Mazeau, criss-crossed by a multitude of canals and ditches. Here, summer and winter alike, the light is always beautiful through the poplar plantations!
Around the Château de Coudray-Salbart
You will first follow the right bank of the Sèvre Niortaise to the Pont de Gué Moreau. There, you will take theGR®36, which will lead you back to the Château de Coudray-Salbard. Following a shaded path, you will climb up behind the château to the hamlet of Le Peu, reaching the Fontaine Braye. Continuing along theGR®, you will walk through a cool, lush valley. As you climb back up onto the plateau, you will leave theGR® and return to Ternanteuil to reach the car park where you started.
On the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise in Échiré
Mélusine accompanies you near her castle in Coudray-Salbart, along the peaceful banks of the Sèvre Niortaise, towards old hamlets and ancient dwellings with imposing dovecotes.
Circular between La Roussille and Magné
This route follows the cycle path along the Sèvre Niortaise, from La Roussille to Magné, then returns via the Marais de Peigland and Marais de Saint-Rémy to the village of La Tiffardière, near the starting point.
The Mervent Dam
Circular route through the forest, passing through rolling meadows, then along the Vendée to the dam and the lake shore, on paths and trails that are sometimes a little steep but pleasant in all seasons.
Le Jaulard and La Fontaine à l'Ermite in the Mervent Forest
A circular route that takes you off the beaten track in the heart of the Mervent State Forest, suitable for all seasons. Shortcuts are possible. The GPX track can be very useful.
The Hermit's Fountain Trail
Starting from the Fontaine-à-l'Ermite roundabout, the trail joins the lake shore and then follows the left bank of the Vendée river up to the Perrure bridge, before climbing up to the Allée de la Fontaine à l'Ermite, which will take you back to the starting point.
Please note that the trail is uneven and involves climbing over rocks along the Vendée.
Lake Mervent - Citardière Château - Pont du déluge
There are many pedestrian paths to discover in Mervent forest.
The tour of La Mère via the Grotte du Père de Montford
This hike is accessible to all hikers, with a few minor difficulties and one section off the trail, but no major hazards.It starts in the village of Mervent, which overlooks the River La Mêre. A superb viewpoint at the top of the castle ruins offers a view of the meandering river and the surrounding forest.
In Niort on the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise
Taking the cycle paths and theGR®36via Belle Île, you will follow the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise and the Noron lake. Numerous vegetable gardens and beautiful residences line part of this route.
Sentier de la Citardière - Mervent Forest
A short walk in the Forest of Mervent and along the River Mère.
Discover the Marais and the Sèvre Niortaise in Irleau
An easy, safe and peaceful round trip walk through the marshes and along the banks of the Sèvre. Whatever the season, you will enjoy the peace and quiet, the flora and fauna, and discover the market gardens and the beautiful local cows. Along the banks of the Sèvre, you can admire the traditional "maraîchines" farmhouses.
La Cornelière
Covering an area of 5,518 hectares, the Mervent-Vouvant forest complex includes a 2,530-hectare state-owned forest. It is home to a rich variety of plant species. The most common species, the sessile oak, can reach a height of 35 metres at 200 years of age.
The suggested route follows paths and forest lanes in the north-eastern part of the forest.
The multitude of existing paths allows you to extend or shorten this walk as you wish.
The marsh between La Garette and Le Vanneau
Starting from the Garette Leisure Park, you will walk through the heart of the Marais Poitevin, mostly on dirt tracks, to Le Vanneau. After the port of this village, you will cross magnificent vegetable gardens and return to your starting point along creeks, canals and ditches crossed by beautiful, sturdy footbridges. There's no reason why you can't do this route by bike.
The Green Venice: La Garette - Coulon
In the heart of the Green Venice, you will reach its capital, Coulon, after leaving the village of La Garette.
La Garette is one of the most typical villages in the Green Venice. Its 800-metre-long pedestrian street is lined with old fishermen's and farmers' houses.
Coulon is a major tourist attraction in the Marais Poitevin, the capital of the "Venise Verte", i.e. its eastern part also known as the "wet marsh", as opposed to the "dry marsh".
Walk in Pamplie
A peaceful walk through the Pamplie countryside, between fields and forests.
Route des Grandes Mottines
A short walk along dirt tracks through the marshes and their nutria.
In the developed Marais Poitevin
The villages of Vanneau and Irleau are situated in the heart of the Marais Poitevin Interregional Park, within a site designated a “Grand Site de France”. The Marais Poitevin, developed by humans since the 12th century, is one of the richest wetlands on the Atlantic coast.
The Mervent Forest from Chevalement d'Épagne
Circular route in the Mervent-Vouvant Forest starting from Chevalement Saint-Michel in Épagne.
At the sources of Gâtine
A route through hills, hedgerows, forests, streams and green valleys with numerous views of the "little Switzerland" of Beugnon.
The Marais Poitevin in Arçais
Hike in the heart of the Marais Poitevin (wet marshes) starting from Arçais.
The Sèvre Niortaise in Damvix
Most of the route is on wide paths, except for a section on a small wilderness trail, then a return along the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise.
The Marais Sauvage between Damvix and the River
A very beautiful route in the Marais Sauvage, where peace and serenity await you.
The Sentier des Rainettes in Damvix
Between fields and small woods, between shellfish beds, canals and the Sèvre Niortaise, this loop starting from the port of Damvix is accessible to all.Along the route, there are some lovely spots for picnics and even small restaurants by the water in Bazoin and Damvix where you can stop for a bite to eat. This walk can be continued by boat on the Sèvre Niortaise (boats can be hired at the port of Damvix). You will come across fishermen, swans, cows and ducks and hear tree frogs croaking.
The Marais de la Baronnerie from Damvix
A short walk through the Marais de la Baronnerie in a peaceful and relaxing setting.
The Green Venice: Damvix - Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud - Arçais
Relaxation and a change of scenery guaranteed! Come and enjoy the peace and quiet, the authentic landscape and the rich flora and fauna.
The Marais Poitevin, also known as the "Green Venice" for its tourist attractions, is a vast area of water and greenery where nature lovers will find peace and tranquillity along 400 km of canals.
The Arcais chain boat
Motorhome owners, from the Arcais area, discover the village centre, its port and its famous chain boat for crossing the Sèvre Niortaise.
Chemin des digitales in the Secondigny forest
A hike in the Secondigny National Forest, dotted with foxgloves and ending with magnificent views of the Pays de Gâtine.