Saint-Sulpice-de-Cognac walks

Saint-Sulpice-de-Cognac is pleasantly located between the marshlands of the Antenne River and limestone hillsides. There, are hidden the remains of the Agrippa Roman road as well as forgotten local railroad. Cherves-Richemont is graced with the Antenne River and offers an unexpected diversity of landscapes. Its historic heritage is particularly rich: Romanesque churches, Château Chesnel, watermills, manor houses….

At the westernmost tip of Charente, Louzac-Saint-André, with its two villages and numerous hamlets, is a typical commune of the Borderies region in Saintonge. These rural paths wind through alternating wooded areas and vineyards. From valleys to hills, in addition to beautiful views of the Romanesque churches of Saint-Martin de Louzac and Saint-André, walkers will discover two remarkable natural landscapes, the Ri Bellot Valley and the Vallée de La Croix.

Perched on the heights of Romanesque Saintonge at an altitude of 78 metres, this small village lies at the heart of the Cognac vineyards. Scattered around the village centre, fifteen hamlets share the 271 inhabitants amidst the tranquillity of the countryside. The landscape consists mainly of farmland, vineyards and woodland. As the seasons change, discover a rich botanical and wildlife heritage worth preserving.

Bordered to the South by the Charente river, theSaint-Laurent area consists of a small town gathered around its church and its 11th century portal, several villages spread across the valleys and the hills as well as farms and secluded dwellings.

This route will allow you to discover the variety of landscapes in the Borderies region. The Coran valley from Saint-Brice-des-Bois to Saint-Sauvant runs alongside three villages where you will find places to eat as well as remarkable churches and monuments. Once past Saint-Sauvant, you will experience the secret side of the Borderies, where vineyards and farms can be discovered at the edge of a wood or in the hollow of a valley. Here, nature is less tamed than in the rest of the region.

A short, peaceful circular on wide paths, in a wooded and hilly setting.

A walk in the commune of Courcerac, a circular route starting from the nature area and its pond, winding through the vineyards and along a few forest paths.

Located at the confluence of the Né and Charente rivers, the Merpins commune has been permanently occupied by men from very early times: arrowheads, pottery shards, and later an imposing medieval fortress, an 11th century church and an abbey dating back to the 12th century are the living proof. These fertile lands are home to meadows, cereal fields and a Grande-Champagne listed vineyard.

Here is an easy walking route through the countryside around the village of Aujac. Vineyards, meadows, hedgerows and copses – a peaceful, bucolic setting.

The hike is mostly in the woods, on dirt tracks as they say here. There is little elevation gain and very little tarmac. You are guaranteed to be surrounded by nature, with flora and fauna.

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.

A walk created and signposted by the Randonneurs du Pays de Matha association. This 7km route winds through the countryside and vineyards to the south of the small town of Matha.

This 10 km circular will show you the very diverse landscapes of Saintonge. Two-thirds of the route is shaded by woods, one-third is through vineyards (we are in the "Fins Bois" area of the Cognac appellation) and a small third (thank you Pagnol) is in the two villages at the start and finish. The route is sometimes complicated, but the paths are well marked. The route was surveyed on site, so it is very reliable, even if it sometimes seems to stray from the paths marked on the IGN map (especially at the start).

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.

This hike will take you to the heights of the commune of Chaniers to discover the view of the hillsides on the other side of the Charente, before returning along the river.

Beautiful views of Château de Bourg and the Cognac vineyards. A very pleasant return journey along the banks of the Charente.

Built on the lower slopes of Grande Champagne, Genté offers its residents proximity to the town of Cognac, 8 km away, and the charms of rural life. Point 101 is an iconic location in the commune of Genté, where the orientation table is located. This site was once home to an old mill, some remains of which are still buried in the ground around the site. Point 101 is also the reference point for sea level.

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.

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.