Vitré (Deux-Sèvres) walks

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 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 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.

An easy walk in the woods of Celles-sur-Belle with minimal elevation changes. At the start and finish, there are beautiful views of Celles-sur-Belle Abbey. This walk offers a variety of landscapes around the village. The route also takes you past a remarkable tree, the “Talle à Teurtous” (see “During the walk and nearby”).

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 leading to the Métairie aux Moines, the Bois d'Enfiré, the hamlet of La Carte and the Fontaine de la Belle. Discover a beautiful fountain nestled in the valley after the hamlet of La Carte. The hike is mostly shaded and, in the second half, runs along the La Belle river for a while.

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 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 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 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.

A lovely walk on the Mellois plateau. Varied landscapes with a mix of fields and wooded areas. Passing through the villages of Negresauve and Le Luc de Verrines, in particular, offers a good view of traditional architecture.

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.

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 lovely walk through varied terrain, passing two springs, the Fontaine du Triangle and the Fontaine de l’Anguillière, and close to the source of the Sèvre Niortaise. This route follows mainly farm tracks with a few sections on minor roads. The landscape is pleasant and varied.

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.

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.

A walk around Melle offering views of its trio of Romanesque churches, a chance to explore two wash houses and the Frankish kings’ silver mines. You’ll walk along the discovery trail through a unique arboretum.

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 pleasant walk around the River Belle between the villages of Montigné and Verrines-sous-Celles. Along this route, you’ll find beautiful views of the Belle Valley, wash houses and traditional buildings. But also river crossings over stone bridges, wash houses and wells, the church at Verrines and, next to it, a bread oven.

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.

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.

A very pleasant walk with plenty of shaded areas.

A pleasant route in a little-known corner of the Mellois plateau. It allows you to discover varied landscapes, partly by following an old railway line converted into a path, crossing hamlets (Le Petit Beauvais, La Rorserie, Etrochon) with traditional buildings, sometimes running alongside the Berlande with its Moulin de Génebrie mill, and ending at the Cure du Prieuré de Mazières sur Béronne and its wash house. This walk follows part of theGR®655, one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela.

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 pleasant walk through a hilly area south of Pouffonds and across the plateau to the east. This route begins with a walk mainly along small roads until you reach the wonderful village of Coubortiges, with its many well-restored old houses. It continues through the countryside, with its varied crops, in search of an ancient Roman road which you follow in the second half of this walk. This nature-filled route is suitable for all weather conditions.

A lovely, varied route with beautiful sections through woodland or along a river (the Marseillaise). You’ll also discover local crops. As throughout the Pays Mellois, traditional architecture is evident, with a particular highlight being the charming village of Coubortiges. This route alternates between wide farm tracks, a few sections of narrower paths and links along quiet roads.

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 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.

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).

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 beautiful walk that takes you across three rivers: the Coudrières stream, the Berlande and the Marseillaise. The route offers varied landscapes, combining the Mellois plateau with its diverse crops and the valley floors as you cross the three rivers that cut through the plateau in this area.

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.

This pleasant route will take you through several charming little villages that have retained their character. The first part of the route follows quiet, little-used roads, ideal for enjoying the peaceful landscape. The second part mainly follows dirt tracks, closer to nature. Throughout the hike, you will regularly follow the Belle and the Béronne, two rivers that bring freshness and gentleness to the route. You will also discover some traces of the local heritage, such as mills, wash houses and other water-related structures, which bear witness to the rural history of the region. A varied route, combining villages, nature and heritage, perfect for a rejuvenating walk.

A lovely walk on the Mellois plateau. Very little elevation gain. An easy route offering a glimpse of the countryside surrounding the town of Périgné. This walk follows good farm tracks, often shaded, and offers a lovely glimpse of a still-wooded area of the Mellois plateau. The quality of the paths also makes this hike suitable for mountain biking.