Pressoir and Thouet valleys from Sainte-Radegonde

Park in the Pommiers Sainte-Radegonde car park on the right bank of the Thouet.

(S/E) Cross the Thouet via the road (due west) and continue on the path indicated by the sign, passing in front of the house.

(1) Turn left at the second sign: new route avoiding crossing the private land of the Thouarsais motocross route. Come out onto a path.

(2) Turn left for about 200 metres, then turn left onto the path leading to the Ruisseau du Pressoir valley.

(3) Turn right onto the path running alongside the stream.

(4) Descend to the waterfall and then take the path that crosses the stream after the viewpoint. Climb up the other bank, ignore the paths on the right and turn right onto the path to reach a crossroads.

(5) Take the path on the left (yellow markings), turn right onto the tarmac road at a house and cross over the railway line.

(6) Head left towards Les Varannes and walk along the edge of a wood for a few dozen metres.

(7) Turn right onto the path leading to Les Petits Sablons, cross the Ruisseau du Grollier via the stone footbridge and head south-east until you reach a crossroads.

(8) Turn left onto Chemin du Minacle, then after about 100 metres, turn right onto the Petits Sablons path, which has been converted into a botanical trail. Reach the left bank of the Thouet and the chain ferry landing stage, which allows you to cross the Thouet in the summer season.

(9) Continue along Rue du Bac, turn left onto Rue Saint-Nicolas and cross the footbridge.

(10) After the footbridge, turn right to descend to the right bank of the Thouet and join the Promenade Louis Guerry. Turn left, walk along the allotments and the old slaughterhouse, following the avenue on the right for about 50 metres.

(11) Cross this avenue carefully to reach Rue Porte Maillot and follow it to the footbridge. Turn right to cross it and reach the left bank.

(12) Head left to reach Chemin du Pré Chabert (yellow markings) and continue almost to the end of the road.

(13) Just before you reach the end, turn left to pass under the Route de Parthenay bridge.

(14) Go straight up the path, which runs alongside the Route de Parthenay and then rejoins it. Continue in the same direction until you reach the roundabout.

(15) Take the first exit on the left and follow Route du Doret to the equestrian centre: cycle route signposted towards Airvault-Missé. Arrive at Le Châtelier and continue for about 50 metres.

(16) Take the path on the left, pass the equestrian centre and continue to Doret.

(17) Turn right to cross the hamlet from one end to the other.

(18) At the three-way junction at the end of the hamlet, turn left onto Chemin de la Rivière, which is marked "route inondable" (flooded road). If this is the case, continue along Rue du Belvédère to reach Pont de Missé. Otherwise, follow the path that runs alongside the Thouet river, passing through Cirque de Missé and reaching the bridge.

(19) After the mill, turn left to cross the bridge, following the red and white markings of the GR®36. At the exit, turn left to go up the left bank of the Thouet towards Chambre: GR®36 markings. You will come out on Rue du Thouet.

(20) Continue in the same direction to cross the locality.

(21) Continue left on the GR®36 towards Fertevault, a locality called La Pompe.

(22) At the crossroads, turn left onto Rue du Moulin de Fertevault, first following the Thouet river and then turning right away from it. Continue to the junction with Rue de Fleury.

(23) Keep left to continue following the GR® via Rue de la Mare aux Canards. Pass under the road near the large roundabout and continue straight on to Rue Émile Poirault.

(24) Take this street for 100 metres to the left and follow the fortifications.

(25) Turn right to cross the Prince of Wales Tower and continue straight ahead, following the GR®36 signs to reach Saint-Médard Church.

(26) Continue on the GR® via Rue de l'Hôtel de Ville until you reach the entrance to Parc Floral Imbert.

(27) Cross the botanical park, heading towards the exit to reach the municipal campsite. Cross the campsite along the Thouet river to reach the Moulin Crevant (restaurant and museum).

(28) Take the GR®36 again to the footbridge, cross the Thouet and take the path immediately to the right (now on the left bank). Stay as close as possible to the river, pass under the railway line and continue to the junction with the Chaussée de Pommiers.

(1) Turn right to cross it and return to the car park (S/E).

This route is recommended in dry weather with no rain. Some areas are prone to flooding during periods of heavy rain, but detours are easily possible. In addition, the route can be lengthened or shortened depending on the time available and the weather.

Throughout the route, you will remain close to refreshment points and residential areas.

(26) From here, take the opportunity to visit Saint Médard Church and stroll along Rue du Château, which will take you to the castle. The public buildings, half-timbered houses and mansions are well worth the effort. You can take a break at the Café des Arts (a must-visit).

(27) A landslide has made the GR®36 impassable at Moulin Crevant. You will need to reach it by crossing the park and exiting via the campsite entrance.

This route provides access to a variety of natural landscapes and historical sites in the town of Thouars. Museums, bridges and listed monuments can be visited along the route. The tourist office provides hikers with information sheets to help them explore the cultural attractions. The buildings and sites are very well maintained. The town is crossed by the GR®36 trail, marked in red and white.

Ref: Thouars, the rampart walk

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