Saint-Porchaire walks

Following in the footsteps of the famous writer and through the forest, you’ll discover Saint-Porchaire and its surroundings. Typical examples of the Romanesque heritage of the Saintonge region, the12th-century church, the Château de La Roche-Courbon and the Marie Bon house are sure to satisfy the curiosity of walkers.

Set amongst forests, woods and small hamlets, the rural landscape of the commune of Les Essards unfolds before you. A typical example of the Romanesque heritage of the Saintonge region, the 12th-century church and a 15th-century watchtower add to the charm of this tree-lined, natural route.

Amidst woodland and small hamlets, the rural landscape of the village of Plassay unfolds. Hikers will come across the typical heritage of Romanesque Saintonge: the12th-century church, the limestone landscapes and the quarries for building stone.

A circular route around the pretty, peaceful little village of Geay. The route takes you along well-maintained paths through forests and wooded countryside. You will also ride alongside the marsh. The Charente is not far away but remains invisible. The route has been surveyed on the ground, making it very reliable.

Amidst woods, marshes and small hamlets, you can discover the rural landscape of the villages of Romegoux and Geay. A typical feature of the Romanesque Saintonge region, the 16th- and 12th-century churches adorn a tree-lined, natural trail through the Bruant marshes.

The old quarries of Crazannes offer a striking landscape of steep rock faces and narrow gorges. The hard white stone was used in the construction or restoration of monuments such as Fort Boyard.Les Lapidiales is a site offering visitors an open-air museum, with free admission, where the excavations left by the quarrymen give the impression of being in the middle of a giant labyrinth and where visitors enjoy discovering the sculptures.

Set against a backdrop of rocky outcrops and woodland, the banks of the Charente and the villages of La Pierre de Crazannes and Port-d’Envaux come into view. Typical of the Romanesque Saintonge region, the 19th-century church, the 15th- and 18th-century castles, and the Sentiers de la Pierre enhance this tree-lined, natural route.

Set amongst woods and Saintonge hamlets, the villages of Nieul-lès-Saintes and Soulignonnes exemplifythe small-scale heritage of Romanesque Saintonge. The14th-century medieval castle, the11th- and12th-century churches and a15th-century watchtower add to the charm of this walk steeped in rural character.

This hike offers the opportunity to discover the woods of Port d'Envaux, as well as the Roman church of Saint-Saturnin de Séchaud. In a mineral, green and wooded setting, you will discover a typical natural heritage that is timeless.

Set amongst pine trees, a lake and rocky landscapes, the village of Sainte-Gemme stands out for its10th-century priory. The walk forms part of both the historical heritage of Romanesque Saintonge and its natural heritage.

This route is characterised by the diversity of the landscapes encountered: a wooded section crossed by a wide path following an old railway line, a hilly landscape with patches of vineyards, and finally a dry hillside overlooking a wetland.

Amidst woods, fields and small hamlets, the countryside around the villages of Nancras and Balanzac unfolds. A typical example of Romanesque Saintonge heritage, the13th- and16th-century churches and the16th-century castle evoke a heritage rich in history.

A circular starting from Trizay Abbey towards the cave and the Creux Nègre rock passage. This geological curiosity in the region is carved into the ancient cliffs that line the Arnoult valley. Half of the route is on tarmac, on very quiet roads, allowing you to discover the market gardens on the rich lands of the Arnoult valley (home of the Pont l'Abbé bean).

A walk around Bussac-sur-Charente. The route passes through the small gorge carved out by the Rocheffolet. You will also see watermills and a windmill.

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.

When the Broue tower was built, it was reflected in the waters of the Gulf of Santons. The sea is now so far away that it can no longer be seen from the tower's terrace. But from the heights of Saint-Jean-d'Angle, you can still imagine the boats that once sailed here and brought wealth to the port and the village.

Near the coast and the Brouage Marsh, a circular route runs along the Massonnerie Nature Reserve and around the large ponds of the Cadeuil sandpit.

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

This loop, starting from Tonnay-Charente, will take you across the Charente river twice via two bridges that are completely closed to motor traffic. You can admire the view from the top of the Tonnay-Charente suspension bridge and explore the quays of its sleepy port.

A circular route that takes you round the Château du Bois Charmant and through a curious sandpit landscape. The route can also be done on a mountain bike. There are a few technical sections.

Starting from Échillais, you can first admire the beautiful 12th-century façade of the church. Then you will pass in front of "La Limoise". This residence is described at length by Pierre Loti in "Le Roman d'un Enfant" (A Child's Novel). This house belonged to the Duplais family, friends of the Viaud family (Julien Viaud being Pierre Loti's real name). He would spend his Thursdays there, walking from his house in Rochefort (now Pierre Loti's house) to La Limoise, crossing the Charente by ferry. There was no transporter bridge at the time. The Seudre Canal to the Charente (also known as the Bridoire Canal) is 27 km long and was dug in the 19th century from Saint-Hippolyte to Marennes. You will also cross Île Maurice, although it is much smaller than the one we usually think of.

From the transhipment bridge to the port of Rochefort, a journey through time. Rochefort was chosen by Louis XIV to restore his maritime power. Along this route, which runs close to the water in its first section, there is no shortage of remnants from that era: dry docks, the Corderie Royale, the arsenal, and, with a bit of luck, the Hermione...

Do you enjoy nature and history? You'll love this walk!

Starting from Rochefort, a short circular cycle route – with no particular difficulties – takes you across the Charente, first via the Tonnay-Charente pedestrian suspension bridge and then via the Rochefort transporter bridge You’ll also pass through the area of the military arsenal commissioned by Louis XIV and cycle alongside the Corderie Royale. Please note that the transporter bridge is closed during the winter months from November to March.

Circular discovery of the town centre and the surrounding countryside. Walk along the banks of the gentle Seudre river This route is suitable for cycling (mountain bikes, hybrid bikes) in accordance with the Highway Code.

Stroll through the town centre of Saujon and the peri-urban marshes of the Seudre. Discover the local flora and fauna, combining hiking with curiosity. This route is accessible by bicycle, mountain bike or hybrid bike, provided you follow the rules of the road.

Circular route around the Lande starting from the port of Ribérou.