Usseau (Vienne) walks

This hike, which mainly takes place on field paths and small roads with very little traffic, offers beautiful heritage sites and views. For the most part, the route has been designed and marked by the Vienne departmental committee of the FFRP (the end ofthe PR®® has been short-circuited as it is of limited interest and runs too close to the A10 motorway). (Please note) The route is interrupted between (8) and (9) due to the closure of a passage through an active quarry (see messages posted on 10/12/25). A detour is being considered. In the meantime, please use the alternatives described in the practical information section.

A lovely walk around this picturesque village. Nature is in abundance here, with its many hedgerows and varied tree species lining these diverse paths.

Stunning views of the Vienne Valley and the village of Vaux along beautiful woodland paths. You can also admire the vineyards, an old priory and charming hamlets.

A hike mainly through woodland with a few sections through fields. Two beautiful châteaux mark the route: the Château de la Barbelinière, visible from a distance, and the Château de la Massardière, which you pass right by. The ruins of the Tour de Pouillé and the church in Thuré add to the heritage appeal of this hike. Hike designed and signposted by the Vienne departmental committee of the FFRP.

Starting from the former arms factory and a walk along the banks of the Vienne, passing along both the left and right banks and criss-crossing the railway tracks.

A short walk through fields and woods to reach a medieval castle, currently undergoing restoration, situated on a hilltop.

This lovely route winds its way through the countryside and follows sections of the Ligne Verte, a former railway line converted into a 37km path for pedestrians and cyclists, between Châtellerault and Loudun. It also takes you along some lovely sunken lanes and leads to the rich heritage of Scorbé-Clairvaux: the keep and chapel of Haut Clairvaux, the wash house, the old market halls, the castle which houses the chess museum (over 150 sets from 70 countries), and the old station.

You start your walk at the foot of the Haut-Clairvaux keep, built in the 11th and 12th centuries, where you can admire the many panoramic views stretching as far as the eye can see! You will then descend towards Bas-Clairvaux, where your path will cross the famous greenway cycle route, the ‘Ligne Verte’, a former railway line linking Châtellerault to Loudun, before heading back up towards your destination.

A picturesque village in a style somewhere between Poitou and Touraine, where you’ll notice the famous tuffeau stone and its slate or flat-tiled roofs! Beautiful views over the Guerche Forest, which you can then explore along magnificent paths.

A largely wooded walk, followed by unobstructed views of the countryside and Piolant Castle. Option to finish at the fitness trail, where there are a few tables for picnicking. Not recommended during wet weather when the paths become muddy.

Landscapes and shaded, undulating paths characterise this route. There are some beautiful viewpoints and natural sites, such as the remarkable oak tree.

This route takes us along the ancient Roman road and introduces us to the remains of the Gallo-Roman site of Old Poitiers. Take the time to stop for a break in the magnificent Parc de la Grande Maison and, if time allows, take a trip on an electric boat.

As you walk through Ambigaria (the former name of the commune of Saint-Genest), you’ll pass through market gardens and fields of asparagus. Along the way, you’ll come across Puygareau Castle, fortified from 1434 onwards, with its two towers and 15th-century residential quarters. At the Château d’Abin, you’ll see an old hemp kiln; the hemp-growing industry was a major part of the local economy in the 19th century.

Magnificent views of Moussais Castle and Colombiers Forest. This route has it all, from botany to built heritage, from the arboretum along the green corridor to the Beaumont Tower and the Madeleine Chapel. You'll be amazed!

An easy walk, mainly through cultivated fields, with beautiful farmhouses dotted here and there. Route designed and signposted by the Grand Châtellerault Tourist Office.

The Battle of Poitiers in the year 732 has been the subject of numerous myths, the foremost of which concerns the very location of the battle itself! This walk takes you to the site considered by contemporary historians to be the most likely location, situated considerably further north than the ancient capital of the Pictaves. The walk starts from the ruins of the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre in Old Poitiers.

A short, predominantly woodland walk, peaceful and in cool shade. (Warning) Do not undertake this walk until further notice. A path closure was reported in August 2020.

A lovely family walk through the woods with beautiful views over the Envigne valley and Haut-Clairvaux.

Take a break in nature along these beautiful wooded paths.

A lovely walk, partly through the forest. There are also beautiful views over the Ouzilly plain, with the chance to see tuffeau stone dwellings and a few cave dwellings.

Set amongst plains, beautiful old houses and scenic viewpoints, follow these paths, some of which run alongside theGR®655. Then take a moment to explore the town hall’s magnificent wooded park and the heritage trail.

A varied route offering the chance to visit a few local producers along the way!

Start with some superb views over the Vienne Valley, continue past a few wayside crosses and 15th- and 18th-century castles, making sure to take a detour to see Chitré Castle, and finish the route by passing the famous “Lépine” oil mill and its press. A picnic area awaits you in the hamlet of Prinçay.

A short walk to discover a beautiful Renaissance-style castle and a Romanesque-style collegiate church. The route follows field paths, farm tracks and quiet country lanes.

A hike mainly through fields, with two beautiful heritage sites, the Collegiate Church of Saint-Georges (12th century) at the start and a dovecote a little over halfway along the route. There are some beautiful views along the way.

This village, through which the Creuse flows and which marks the boundary between Vienne and Indre-et-Loire, will introduce you to the “Notre-Dame de Vaugiraud” spring, which owes its origin to the legend of a calf in a pasture that refused all food. It moved away and is said to have struck a patch of earth with its hoof, causing a fountain to gush forth.

You’ll stroll through fields and woods, ending up on the lovely banks of the Creuse with its Henri IV bridge, its lock and its beautiful church.

A short walk that climbs from the village of Luzé, offering sweeping views. In terms of heritage, the church of Luzé and a few beautiful old farmhouses are well worth a visit.

A route through fields and woods to discover a superb Romanesque abbey situated in a secluded and peaceful setting. A visit to the ruins of this abbey can be combined with a tribute to the American actor Yul Brynner, who is buried there.

Route proposed by the municipality of Jaunay-Marigny and certified by the Vienne Departmental Hiking Committee. A route exploring the troglodytic landscapes, created by the exploitation of the Tuffeau quarries, with beautiful views over the Envigne valley. The route is marked in green, starting from the Marigny-Brizay town hall.

A short walk, mostly in the forest, on the edge of the Parc de Richelieu and alongside the Veude river.

If you love rolling countryside, you’ll be in your element! You’ll discover a 12th-century church, the Château de la Gabillière and magnificent rolling, wooded landscapes overlooking the stunning Ozon Valley.

A very pleasant, undulating and shaded walk, alternating between woodland, streams, hamlets and fields, showcasing the varied landscape of Chenevelles. Also suitable for mountain biking.