Saint-Simon-de-Bordes walks

A pleasant hike near Jonzac, in a fairly hilly area of Saintonge, around the river La Cendronne. This peaceful corner of the countryside combines large woods with varied crops and vineyards, offering beautiful landscapes. The route also provides an opportunity to discover some fine examples of architectural heritage.

A pleasant hike between Saint-Simon-de-Bordes and Agudelle through varied landscapes of plains, forests and vineyards. Part of this hike follows theGRP®® de Saintonge.

A pleasant hike around Villexavier through the vineyards and the Bois de Fenis. It is an opportunity to discover peaceful landscapes with varied colours throughout the year and beautiful examples of built heritage. The path on either side of the Maine River enhances the end of the route.

A pleasant hike in the plain between Saint-Hilaire-du-Bois and Guitinières. This route allows you to discover a beautiful corner of the Saintonge countryside with alternating crops, vineyards and woods. The route also offers fine examples of traditional architecture.

A beautiful hike to discover the countryside around Tugéras with its vineyards, woods and diverse crops. The route goes around the Bois du Pinier on a hill and offers beautiful landscapes before and after.

A pleasant route through woods and vineyards around the Maine River in the Guitinières plain. In addition to peaceful landscapes, this hike offers the chance to discover the characteristic architecture of Saintonge and several mills.

A pleasant hike in a natural setting crossed by the Rochette and Maine rivers. The landscapes are varied, with vineyards, woods such as those of Le Plantis and various crops, as well as orchards (apples and pears). Along the route, you can see beautiful farms in this pretty corner of the Saintonge countryside.

A pleasant hike west of Saint-Sigismond-de-Clermont, around the River Tort, through countryside with varied landscapes, consisting of diverse crops, vineyards and woods. Along the route, you will pass by the Château de la Tenaille and its chapel, which is the only remaining part of the Abbey of Tenaille.

A pleasant hike through vineyards, farmland and woods around Saint-Dizant-du-Bois. This route allows you to discover this pretty corner of Saintonge and enjoy beautiful countryside landscapes.

A pleasant hike starting from Antignac, winding its way through vineyards and woods. This route allows you to discover a peaceful and very natural corner of Saintonge. You may see wild animals such as deer at the edge of the woods.

The vine-covered hillsides of the Gironde are dotted with small hills planted with various crops and vines. The landscapes open up along the paths leading to the estuary. The marshes can be seen from the Beaumont hill. There you will discover a cone-shaped tower dating from the 19th century, but whose first constructions probably date back to the Middle Ages. Even today, the Beaumont Tower still serves as a navigation landmark.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gimeux was built on a hillside overlooking the valley and marshlands of the river Né and enjoys a flourishing farming activity: meadows and cereal fields in the valley, vineyards on the hills. Ancient burial sites and the outline of the old Roman road called ‘Chemin Boisné’ are revealing of the ancestral occupation of the land. The parish church dates back to the 12th century. Also marking the landscape are an old chapel as well as the remains of a windmill on the Fanaud hillside.

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.

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.