Vellèches walks

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

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

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Start by following the banks of the Creuse along a thoroughly idyllic path and continue on your way to the mule track, ending through the woods, passing by the famous Saint-Hilaire Fountain and its listed portico!

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.

This 100% nature walk will introduce you to all the flora and fauna of the Guerche Forest. Take a break at the picnic area near the fountain in the picturesque hamlet of Les Montants.

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.

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 stone’s throw from the Cité du Cardinal, a short walk through the Richelais vineyards. The walk offers a varied route through the vineyards, through the woods or across the fields.

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

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.