Variety of landscapes, arduous hike or casual stroll; each walker will proceed at his or her own pace!
Wherever you go, marked itineraries will take you from one surprise to another. Numerous rural roads have been rehabilitated, not to mention the three major GR footpaths [GR36, GR4, and GR48] and the routes to Santiago de Compostela, all of which cross through the region.
You may traverse the dales of Saintonge and Charente, land of vines and wild orchids that constitute a botanist's delight, or else cross through the fresh and odorous ranges of the Bocage near Bressuire or the gently sloping landscapes of the sheep-grazing brandes near Montmorillon.
Memories of long walks with friends or as a family will be forever engraved subsequent to exploration of the boundless horizons of the Poitou marshlands, refuge for thousands of birds as the ocean nears, or the large forests with their maritime pine trees upholstered with mauve carnations and everlasting strawflowers bordering the shore.
Up for an unusual stroll? Just think 'Belles échappées'!
Meeting place for a Sunday or weekend escape route! 4 unusual strolls are planned from May through October.
For further information and registration, visit le site des Belles Echappées.
A remarkable natural site, the isle of Aix is located at the mouth of the Charente. The circuit will leave you the time to give yourself over to the pleasures of the sea: bathing and 'still fishing'. Do not forget to take along your bathing suit! No cars allowed on the island. Take the boat at Fouras.
Further information on the isle of Aix
An enchanting walk from one river to the next for lovers of nature and old stones! Crossing through Angles-sur-l'Anglin, where you will no doubt savor the silence as you near a stream sending up an image of the vestiges of the castle overlooking the village, one of the most beautiful villages in France!
Embark and discover the charm of Charente through its two faces: land and water. The itinerary will allow you to alternate views of the cognac vineyards and views of the tracking paths along the Charente river.
Enter the depths of the marshlands and discover the ports and wash houses with which they are dotted. This is an ideal pathway for observation of the vegetation of « green Venice » with the marshland irises, the valerian or the angelica, the channels and the marshland conches.
For further information on a particular walking itinerary, do not hesitate to contact the «Comités départementaux de la randonnée pédestre» and to request their documentation: «topoguides» or fact sheets.
Charente - Comité Départemental de Randonnée pédestre
22, Boulevard de Bury - F-16000 ANGOULEME
Tel./Fax + 33 (0)5 45 68 15 48 - www.charente-rando.fr / rando16@wanadoo.fr
Charente-Maritime - Comité Départemental de Randonnée pédestre
L'Aubrée - F-17350 TAILLANT
Tel/fax + 33 (0)5 46 90 16 45 - www.rando17.com / rando17@laposte.net
Deux-Sèvres - Comité Départemental de Randonnée pédestre
79 route de Parthenay - F-79100 SAINT-JEAN-DE-THOUARS
Tel. 05 49 96 11 75 - rando79.free.fr / rando79@free.fr
Vienne - Comité Départemental de Randonnée pédestre
c/o OMS - 22 place Charles de Gaulle - F-86000 POITIERS
Tel. 05 49 88 93 48 - www.rando86.org / cdrp86@rando86.org