Saint-Simeux walks

Starting from the charming little village of Saint-Simeux, discover the plateau where vines grow in abundance, dotted with small hamlets, each one more charming than the last, with their large old stone buildings.

The shepherds who lived here built the Church of Saint-Surin in the 9th century. After the Revolution, this church was attached to Châteauneuf. Climbing a little higher, you can see the diversity of the surrounding landscapes, then descend along the Charente.

This walk takes you along the Charente river before returning to the starting point through the vineyards. A very peaceful and pleasant route.

A varied circuit, sometimes in the sun in the vineyards sometimes in the forest. A very pleasant walk in the middle of the countryside.

This circuit gives you the chance to discover rural heritage (springs, water sources, open air wash houses); and at each place, a description of its history is displayed. The route also highlights the architectural and historical heritage of the 13th century (Eglise Saint-Prohet, the Place Jacquaire, the protestant stele, the Chateau de Segeville) plus the various hamlets in the locality, flora and fauna.

The Gaul root of its name means 'strength, courage'. The Hundred Years War persuaded the construction of numerous underground passages, which enabled the inhabitants to take refuge from extreme violence. Without a doubt Protestantism has left its mark in the area, particularly with the Segonzacais. The first Reformed church was founded in 1558. Troubles occurred in 1562 and the parish church was burnt down. Today's Temple church is the third constructed since the Edict of Nantes.

Segonzac: the root of its name means 'strength, courage' in Gaulish. Archaeological digs have revealed a Neolithic inhabitation (approx. 5000 B.C) The Hundred Years' War persuaded the construction of numerous underground passages, which enabled the inhabitants to take refuge from extreme violence. Protestantism has, without a doubt, left its mark in the area, particularly with the Segonzacais. The first Reformed church was founded in 1558. Troubles occurred in 1562 and the parish church was burnt down. Today's Temple is the third constructed since the Edict of Nantes. According to a legend at the start of the 17th century, it was at Segonzac that a vintner named Chevalier de la Croix Maron invented double distillation.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the Vindelle countryside! Walk along the Charente river, then climb up for a breathtaking view of the valley. A must-see outside of winter!

The commune of Ambleville is crossed by the Collinaud, a stream tributary of the River Né, which includes wash-houses typically found in this area of Grande Champagne. During your walk you will have the chance to discover La Motte, a hamlet in this commune. Take the time to admire the rolling countryside and La Motte wash-house. This walk can be enjoyed with all the family, because children will find it fun to cross the Collinaud by way of the stepping stones.

Cliffs, boulders and old quarries frame this lush valley with its waterlogged soil and rich heritage, which you can discover by following the course of the Anguienne and from the top of the cliffs.

Discover the rich fauna and flora of the Né valley in this Natura 2000 classified area - a nature protected zone with many diverse and protected species and plants, such as the European Mink (a little known species near extinction) and wild orchids, as well as many other species naturally found in a preserved environment.

Starting from the car park at the church in Criteuil-la-Magdeleine, the route runs alongside the Né and Collinaud rivers and crosses the vineyards of the Grande Champagne region. Points of interest along the route include: the Church of Saint-Macrin - Saint Jean Baptiste, the Chapel of La Magdeleine, beautiful wine estates, the wash house, the drinking water pumping station, the remains of a watermill and windmill, and various viewpoints.

This route offers beautiful views of the town of Angoulême and the surrounding countryside, passing through the heights of Champniers and the village of Argence. With numerous paths and wooded crossings, this route follows part of the GR® long-distance footpath between Angoumois and Périgord.

A lovely walk through the Charentais vineyards, passing beautiful buildings and around the village of Roissac. Angeac- Champagne counts numerous prosperous-looking Charentais houses, witness to the wealth which lies in the local economy producing cognac, its principal occupation. The entrances to the estates are marked by a gate or porch way: there are at least 50. They are unique and typical of our local heritage. At Roissac village they embellish the main street.

Thanks to the natural beauty of its location and the richness of its heritage, Saint-Brice is one of the most picturesque areas of Cognac region. At the heart of the Charente and Soloire rivers valley, man has erected many symbolic buildings: dolmens, churches, abbeys, castles and manors, all expertly crafted.

Situated at 25m altitude - the river Né and the Motte stream are the principal water courses which cross the locality. In certain places there are excellent views towards and from the village, the Dolmen, of the vineyards, the landscape of the Grande Champagne and surrounding villages. In every season you can discover a certain charm and appeal in St. Fort.

This very short hike allows you to discover the extent of the pools that form the sources of the Touvre, fed by several resurgences. This walk also takes you to the Lèche wash house, where one of the resurgences can be seen near an old Roman bridge.

You will be able to walk in complete tranquillity on most of this route, which takes you off the beaten track.If you enjoy relaxed walking, this hike is for you.

This circuit will take you through wooded and open areas, along dirt and stone paths, and along an old Roman road. Near this road, on 19 June 1944, an American Boeing B17-G bomber crashed at a place called Fond Péron. To commemorate this event, a memorial stone has been erected at the edge of the Roman road. From this stone, signs point to the actual crash site, about 500 metres away to the north, where a small memorial, restored in 2024, awaits your visit in complete tranquillity.