Souvigné (Deux-Sèvres) walks

This short hike takes place in the commune of Souvigné, on paths and small country roads. You will pass through several hamlets, three wash houses and several Protestant cemeteries.

This walk between Souvigné and the Sèvre Niortaise valley offers a chance to discover varied landscapes of hillsides, woods and plains. The Bois des Challoteries is typical of the area’s lovely forests. Furthermore, the many villages and hamlets you pass through provide an opportunity to discover the traditional architecture of southern Deux-Sèvres

A lovely hike near Saint-Maixent that allows you to discover the landscapes on either side of the Sèvre Niortaise. This route also allows you to discover beautiful traditional and modern architecture, wash houses and the splendour of nature in a fairly wild area.

Heading for Romans (79). They say walking is the fountain of youth in Deux-Sèvres... Is this legend true? For this local outing, the ice axes and oxygen masks have been put away: we’ve focused on enjoyment, the great outdoors and a route accessible to all. Starting from the school car park, Romans Town Hall, Rue du Prieuré, let’s start with the vast and peaceful Maupré plain. We’ll skirt respectfully around the Logis de Vieux Romans. A quiet passage, almost on tiptoe, so as not to disturb the (benevolent!) ghosts of the past. Head towards La Garde and La Guittonnerie via the grassy service paths, perfect for unwinding without tiring yourself out. A bucolic detour along the Chemin de la Mare, a crossing of the Plaine de La Règle, before returning to the heart of Romans via Rue de la Garenne. A circular route that's ideal for those who love history as much as they love the great outdoors, without ending the day completely knackered.

Short hike south-east of Nanteuil to explore the countryside. Go around Mont Alaric, pass through the hamlet of Pallu, then cross the Ruisseau de Magnerolles valley after the Bois de Fayes. Return via the Grandes Maisons and the Dolmen la Pierre Levée.

A very pleasant walk on good paths, mostly in the shade. Along the route, you’ll discover fountains, wash houses, ponds, the Dame de Chambrille and the Hermitain Forest, not to mention a wild stretch along the Grenats stream.

This hiking route in fairly hilly terrain allows you to discover the Cougnat fountain and wash house, family cemeteries, the Paradis fountain and wash house, remarkable "talles", the Perrière fountain and its pond, the Chagnasses woods, the Garennerie fountain and the Savrelle wash house fountain. This hike highlights a geological fault that runs from Saint-Maixent to Lezay, separating the Mellois plateau from a collapse trench where the Sèvre Niortaise river flows.

This short hike takes place in two towns: Azay-le-Brûlé, between trails and dirt roads, not far from the shopping area, and Saint-Maixent-l'École, with decking along the Sèvre Niortaise river and in the town streets.

Hike starting from Ricou. The trail first joins the approximately five-hectare Ricou quarry geosite, located on the right bank of the Sèvre Niortaise river in the commune of Azay-le-Brûlé. It consists of an open-air quarry formerly exploited for its limestone of varying types used as building material (rubble stone). Leaving the site, the route descends into the Sèvre Niortaise valley and leads to Veillon, before turning right onto the other bank of the river to reach the first houses of Sainte-Néomaye. You will then have to cross the Sèvre again to return to Ricou after passing through La Corbelière.

This short 9 km circular loop will take you to the Puits d'Enfer site. This site is famous for its legend and is an area of ecological interest due to the presence of rare species. There you will discover a breathtaking view of the town of Saint-Maixent-L'École and its abbey church. You will walk along country lanes and small roads. You will follow the railway line linking La Rochelle to Paris and the Ruisseau du Puits d'Enfer stream, which is sometimes dry in summer.

A very pleasant walk with plenty of shaded areas.

This hike starting from the Pont de Sainte-Néomaye car park (on the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise) is an excellent suggestion. It is a route that allows you to discover the rural charm of the Deux-Sèvres, between valleys and small typical hamlets, while remaining accessible to all levels. Dirt tracks, forest paths and small tarmac roads (local roads). The Chemin de la Crépinière is a green introduction that runs partly along wooded areas. The gradient is very gentle, ideal for warming up your legs at a leisurely pace. The circular hamlet route: Mons, Fenioux and Kadoré. The route then revolves around three authentic villages: Mons: A peaceful passage where you can appreciate the local stone architecture. Fenioux: A central crossing point that often offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Kadoré: The last hamlet before heading back down to the valley. Gently descend towards the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise.

A route along shaded paths, between mossy stone walls and on white paths or small, quiet roads, around the Hermitain stream and the Sèvre Niortaise. Stone footbridges, a 12th-century bridge, renovated old mills and many other points of interest make this hike well worth the effort. This route, marked in yellow, has been modified and shortened due to the closure of the Grand Moulin footbridge, which is awaiting restoration.

A short, hilly walk that’s very pleasant, especially in summer as the route is shaded.

A pleasant hike to discover the Argentière and Hermitain streams. The route crosses the western part of the Hermitain Forest and allows you to enjoy the peaceful nature of this bocage area to the north and east of Prailles. This route offers a beautiful introduction to the local heritage with Protestant family cemeteries, wash houses, the Monastery of Piè Foulard, as well as old houses and farms.

A peaceful hike in the countryside around Exiroise and Nanteuillaise. This circular hike, marked by the presence of several streams, takes you through villages, across a ford and past a 19th-century private cemetery.

A lovely short hike starting from Prailles, a mainly rural village. This is a wooded area criss-crossed by numerous hiking trails, much to the delight of nature lovers. During the walk, the path passes close to the Grand Ry wash house. This largely shaded route is therefore very pleasant even in hot weather. What's more, as it is on a plateau, hikers can regularly feel the effects of the wind.

A pleasant and original walk around Salles. After passing through the countryside north of the village, this route allows you to explore the banks of the Pamproux along a very natural path via good grassy tracks not shown on the map. This route offers an insight into interesting built and natural heritage (wash houses, springs, old buildings, etc.).

A pleasant walk that begins in the Forêt de l'Hermitain, continues through the open countryside near Trémont after following the Chambrille stream, then across the plain near La Villédé and Vivier before returning to the Forêt de l'Hermitain via the Bois de la Gandissière.

A beautiful hike over varied terrain: the first part is in the gently rolling hills near La Couarde, followed by the second part through the Hermitain Forest. This route offers a wealth of discoveries: the Patriarch (a remarkable oak tree), the Font Querré fountain (see the legend described in the "During the hike" section), and the Stèle du Parterre.

It’s all in the title! No fewer than eight wash houses on this circular route. There are numerous springs in this area, which are said to have given the village its name: “Aigues” meaning water and “O’nay”, to spring forth. A small stream called the Aigonnay flows through Écrebis, where there used to be a mill; it joins the Lambon, which flows to the south-west.

A short route in the countryside, near the water, with beautiful monuments, including wash houses.

A pleasant hike around Aigonnay, offering a wonderful opportunity to discover a rich architectural and natural heritage. In particular, the Logis du Breuil, the wash houses and fountains of Arrignon, Trébot, etc., and beautiful landscapes along the Aigonnay river.

A 3-hour walk in the commune of Saivres along the sunken paths that are still accessible. You’ll explore the banks of the Chambon downstream of the Touche Poupart dam, a stretch offering a view of the Donia quarry, its working face and its spoil heap. The walk ends with a stroll through an arboretum.

A walk through varied terrain on the plateau between the village of Prailles and Lake Lambon. This route allows you to discover the diversity of the wooded countryside to the north-west of Lake Lambon.

A very pleasant walk in the woods starting from the Lac du Lambon car park. The circuit runs alongside the Lambon before leading to an old mill where there is a stone bridge to cross the river. The climb then continues along the ruins of the old village of Jean Migault, leading to the path taken on the way there, which you follow to return to the car park.

A pleasant walk starting from the Plan d’Eau du Lambon which, after a steep climb towards Gliére, reveals the bocage of this farming area. This route also allows you to discover the local heritage through the Couvent de Pié Foulard, the châteaux of Lussaudière and La Bessière, and traditional houses. The undulating landscape is very pleasant and offers a sense of peaceful tranquillity. This hike through Protestant country follows numerous paths and tracks between characteristic embankments.

A peaceful walk between Exoudun and Bagnault, allowing you to discover two villages with a rich heritage, very pleasant and full of little surprises (wash houses, bread oven).

A pleasant walk through a key centre of Protestantism, taking in the pretty village of Brieuil and the charming market town of Exoudun with its bubbling fountain. Varied landscapes in peaceful countryside, both along the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise and on the surrounding plateau. Along the route, views of Brieuil Castle (private) and the Brieuil wash house.

This hike takes place in the commune of La Crèche, along dirt tracks and tarmac sections. The trail runs alongside and crosses the Sèvre Niortaise river several times. It passes through several villages in La Crèche. You will come across several family cemeteries, some of which are buried under brambles. Along the route, there are four wash houses: Pairé near the football stadium, Ruffigny, Saint-Martin and at the Barilleau mill. In Breloux, there is an old temple and a deconsecrated church.

A pleasant hike on a plateau between Melle and Saint-Maixent, leading to the sources of the Lambon, one of the sources of the Sèvre Niortaise. This route across varied terrain allows you to enjoy the green, calm and relaxing countryside and discover many examples of the ancient architectural heritage of Poitou-Charentes through a number of well-restored houses and wash houses such as those in Goux and Grandes Fontaines.

This walk takes place largely within the commune of Azay-le-Brûlé and, to a very small extent, in Augé. It follows paths that mostly run alongside the Ligueure and Chambon streams. It takes you through a few pretty hamlets with restored houses, and you’ll come across wash houses and footbridges.

The Lambon Valley is a magnet for visitors thanks to its terrain and scenery. The springs and wash houses in its villages punctuate this walk. Family cemeteries will be visible during this walk, as well as boundary stones evoking the period of the ‘desert’ from 1685 to 1787. Similarly, umbrella pines serve as a welcoming symbol for Protestants.

A pleasant hike on either side of the Lambon at the gateway to Niort in a little-known, peaceful countryside with varied landscapes. This route also allows you to discover a high-quality ancient built heritage with beautiful properties, a dovecote, etc.

A very pleasant walk through woodland, with the River Lambon as an added bonus. Very, very little urban area. Varied scenery.

A lovely route through varied, undulating terrain, part of which goes around the Plan d’Eau du Lambon. Stunning views of the lake and its leisure centre.

A beautiful, varied walk starting around Lac du Lambon and continuing through a hilly area and across the Mellois plateau, dotted with numerous castles, manor houses and other traditional buildings. Note the many shaded paths, sometimes running between embankments, which lend a special charm to this route.

In the commune of Exireuil, this short route follows the eastern bank of the La Touche Poupard reservoir.Starting from the Lachereau sailing club car park, it partly follows the GR®364 trail, passes through the Bois de la Vergne and Bois de Chantoiseau woods, and joins the Clavé au Pommier road.

A very beautiful walk to discover a section ofthe GR® de Pays des Marches de Gâtine along Lac de la Touche Poupard. This route offers lovely views and magnificent scenery, made all the more enjoyable by the frequent sunshine.

This unmarked hike will first take you through the village of Augé and its narrow streets, then along paths that will lead you to the Montbrune stream via several footbridges and through a few pretty villages with their wash houses. The end of the route is on the old Deux-Sèvres tramway line (TDS).

This pleasant hike starts in Sepvret and takes you through beautiful landscapes, the sources of the Sèvre Niortaise, wash houses, a small mill and the Bregion dovecote with 2,200 nesting boxes.

A walk of no great difficulty, set in wooded countryside with a variety of paths and trails, and small roads offering beautiful scenery. Some sections may be a little muddy if the weather is too wet.