Vénérand walks

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.

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).

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

Discover Saintes, a town steeped in history, cradled by the waves of the Charente.

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.

This hike offers the opportunity to discover the woods of Port d'Envaux, as well as the Roman church of Saint-Saturnin de Séchaud. In a mineral, green and wooded setting, you will discover a typical natural heritage that is timeless.

A hike through the rolling, wooded landscape of Saintonge. Upon arrival, you can admire the lantern of the dead and the Romanesque portal of the church of Fenioux. Information panels provide details about these two monuments. You will follow part of theGR®655(a route to Santiago de Compostela, via Tours) and theGR®360, but there are no reliable markings along the route.

The old Crazannes quarries offer a surprising landscape of steep stone cliffs and narrow gorges. The resistant white stone has been used to build or restore monuments such as Fort Boyard. Les Lapidiales offers visitors a free, open-air museum, where the excavations left by the quarrymen give the impression of being in the middle of a giant labyrinth, and where the sculptures are a delight to discover.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 lovely walk through the Charentais vineyards, passing beautiful buildings and around the village of Roissac. Angeac- Champagne counts numerous prosperous-looking Charentais houses, witness to the wealth which lies in the local economy producing cognac, its principal occupation. The entrances to the estates are marked by a gate or porch way: there are at least 50. They are unique and typical of our local heritage. At Roissac village they embellish the main street.

Situated at 25m altitude - the river Né and the Motte stream are the principal water courses which cross the locality. In certain places there are excellent views towards and from the village, the Dolmen, of the vineyards, the landscape of the Grande Champagne and surrounding villages. In every season you can discover a certain charm and appeal in St. Fort.