Camping de Saint Benoit: A Natural Retreat in Poitou-Charentes

Following the GR® 364, you'll discover a landscape of gentle valleys, criss-crossed by meandering rivers (Clain), gorges, islands and ponds. The villages on this route are rich in architectural heritage (mansions, castles, churches and abbeys). Poitiers is well worth a visit (site, cathedral, etc.). This route is proposed by the Comité Régional de Randonnée Pédestre. Departing from a train station or TER bus stop, it allows you to join a walking or hiking itinerary and take a stroll in ecomobility!

This multi-hike circuit takes its name from the two rivers it runs alongside.

Following the GR364 from Lusignan to Poitiers, you'll discover a landscape of gentle valleys, criss-crossed by meandering streams and sometimes gorges, islands and ponds. The villages along the way combine these natural qualities with a rich architectural heritage of mansions, castles, churches and abbeys. Poitiers is well worth a visit, particularly for its cathedral. This route is proposed by the Comité Régional de Randonnée Pédestre. Departing from a train station or TER bus stop, it allows you to join a walking or hiking itinerary and take a stroll in ecomobility!

Following the GR655 from Lusignan to Poitiers, you'll discover a landscape of gentle valleys, criss-crossed by meandering streams and sometimes gorges, islands and ponds. The villages you pass through combine these natural riches with a rich architectural heritage of mansions, castles, churches and abbeys. Poitiers is well worth a visit, especially its cathedral. This route is proposed by the Comité Régional de Randonnée Pédestre. Departing from a train station or TER bus stop, it allows you to join a walking or hiking itinerary and take a stroll in ecomobility!

Departure : Church of Voulon On this walk, no less than three rivers will accompany you throughout the 20 km of the route. Indeed, you will follow in part the valleys marked out by the mills of the Dive and the Bouleure, which join the Clain in the commune of Voulon. Along this path, you will be able to contemplate architectural buildings such as the church of Voulon, the mill of Guron, the fountain-washhouse of Fontou, the old footbridge as well as the chapel of Voulon and its fountain. And why not offer you a moment of relaxation at the leisure center of the Iles de Payré.

Departure : Village of Anché The river Clain has dug its bed in the granite and limestone forming here and there some kind of big steps. Take these natural steps which could have been the legend of Rabelais' giants. On the road, discover two very beautiful castles, the castle of Anché and the castle of Cèdre, both dating from the 19th century. As you drive along the town of Champagné Saint-Hilaire, you may catch a glimpse of the magnificent racehorses for which the Saint-Hilaire stud farm is famous. Stop at the Espace naturel des Trois Fontaines with its picnic areas and numerous leisure activities.

The right bank of the Clouère was lined with castles and mills, most of which did not survive the changes of the late 19th century.

This circuit crosses contrasting landscapes: the valley of Clouère with the meadows of river and the mills, the plain with the cereal cultures, then a dry valley bushy, the lands of brandes where we find the gorse and the big heathers.

This pretty hillside path offers a remarkable view over the Vienne valley. Refreshing and shaded, this walk will delight nature lovers.

Discover this famous tourist site with this bike loop! This circuit will guide you along the traces of the famous battle of Poitiers in 732, where you can stop for a picnic. But first you'll pass through the Réserve Naturelle du Pinail, a world-renowned wetland and biodiversity site. Magnificent views of the Vienne Valley, the Moulin de Chitré and the Château du Fou will enhance your walk.

The 25 M2 apartment is ideally located in the city's hyper-center. It features a large, bright room with a kitchenette and dining table, a sleeping area with a double bed and a lounge area for relaxing in front of the TV, or reading... Although it's a city-center apartment, it also has a very nice perk, a 20M2 private terrace with garden table and chairs. View of the Conservatoire, the Clain valley, a privileged moment. Accommodation: The accommodation is a studio including sleeping area with a real 140 x 190 bed, kitchen area with a 2-burner hob, fridge, microwave and all equipment. A large bathroom with a 120 x 80 shower. And, a private terrace of 20 M2, equipped with table and chairs, sheltered from bad weather. It is classified "meublé de tourisme 3 étoiles"

The association "Please" manages Thouars Theater, Scene Convention for the arts and creation. It manages and organizes multidisciplinary theater programming and develops a policy of support and public awareness (cultural activities, artist meetings ...). It is also responsible for helping to create companies and young artistic teams.

This old mansion renovated with modern comforts, is situated in the heart of Thouars. The 4 spacious rooms of the Villa des Glycines are equipped with free wireless internet and flat screen TV. Each also has a sofa bed and a private bathroom. A continental breakfast and / or English is served in the dining room or terrace depending on the season. Entire property is non-smoking.

Le Moulin de Bois Coutant has 3 beautiful guest rooms accessible via a private entrance. The Bird Room is for 2 people, with a 160cm bed and private bathroom. The Pivoines room is for 2 people, with a 160cm bed and private bathroom. The Suite du côté du Clain is for 4 people, with a 160cm bed + 2 single beds, and private bathroom and toilet facilities. Homemade breakfasts and table d'hôtes (by reservation). You can enjoy the billiard room, swimming pool and spa on site.

Krappahutte is a village of atypical accommodations designed especially for groups! It's the ideal place to meet up and share memorable moments together. The village offers a unique experience, combining comfort and originality, in an exceptional natural setting. Whether you're planning a family holiday, a getaway with friends, or a school trip, Krappahutte warmly welcomes you for an unforgettable adventure. Each accommodation in this village can accommodate 7 to 8 people per 1/2 barrel, making it possible for groups of up to 15 people to share the same accommodation. In these accommodations you can live in harmony with nature while enjoying comfortable and unique lodgings. The village offers shared sanitary facilities (shower and WC), convivial communal areas and play areas.

Located in the heart of a pine forest, the DéfiPlanet' Hotel Insolite offers you an experience to live in the middle of nature! Whether you are in a group or a family, you can choose among: 6 rooms for 2 persons, 2 rooms for 4 persons, 5 rooms for 5 persons, and 11 rooms for 6 persons During your stay, you will have access to the swimming pools, one of which is covered and heated to 29° all year round, to the children's playgrounds, to the outdoor fitness center, to the hiking trails of the domain, to the petanque and beach-volley courts. Défiplanet' also offers sports and nature activities, an equestrian center, an unusual restaurant service, as well as well-being and relaxation. The domain is freely accessible all year round, you only pay for the services (activities, catering, etc.) that you wish to use.

Embark on the legend of Princess Areka. In the AREKA mission, you play the role of a Secret Agent who must save Princess Areka and her kingdom. In this adventure, Nature and the Animals are counting on you to restore harmony. Take part in an interactive quest in which you are the hero, full of mysteries and riddles to solve, and plunge into an imaginary universe where every action has a real and educational impact.

Unusual accommodation : Spend one or more nights in one of the 600 unusual beds available at DéfiPlanet? 1st unusual village in France! From animal houses (rabbits, hens, snails, etc.) to leprechaun houses, tree houses with or without Jacuzzis, yurts and caravans, there's something for everyone! Adventure Game: Accompanied by Guntar and the Leprechauns, you'll take part in this Adventure Game combining reflection, role-playing, strategy, cohesion, mutual aid and physical activities. You and your family will work together to find the white diamond and complete their quest.

DéfiPlanet' is a place of accommodation located near Poitiers and the Futuroscope, specialized in the proposal of unusual vacation offers. You will find a complex of complementary offers : - a varied offer of unusual accommodations with more than 17 different forms (tree houses, yurts, goblins' houses, ...) for more than 600 beds; - Multiple sports activities, whether you are a resident or not, such as tree climbing, archery, adventure game, horse riding, theme park, etc. ; - A wide range of restaurants; - A seminar complex that can accommodate groups of up to 400 people. Its campsite welcomes you in tent, caravan or motor home on large pitches (more than 100m²), perfectly maintained and delimited by hedges of shrubs.

Tree climbing course.

Converted Benedictine abbey: The monks' dormitory and the chapter house of the abbey have been converted into magnificent exhibition rooms. They have thus become places of cultural expression. Magnificent picture garden adjacent to the abbey.

In Saint-Benoît in Greater Poitiers, LUDIFETE welcomes children aged 1 to 12 with giant inflatables and traditional wooden games for great family fun, under party tents or in the open air.

Terraced over the Clain valley, the Parc de Blossac is one of the most beautiful public spaces in France. Designed in the 18th century, different gardens are available for a visit full of surprises: French and English gardens, light and shade garden, the Grand Pré, the rock garden and the zoological park.

A stopover on the way to Compostela since the 12th century, the church of Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand is located south of Poitiers, not far from the Parc de Blossac. Rebuilt in the 19th century, it retains the original massive pillars in the nave, a choir and an ambulatory from the Romanesque period. It stands on the presumed site of the tomb of Saint-Hilaire, the first bishop of Poitiers. After admiring its four-apse chevet, you enter to discover its choir and its Romanesque transept of impressive height and great luminosity. You linger in its four chapels decorated with Romanesque wall paintings (11th century) representing a scene from the Apocalypse. And to learn more about Saint-Hilaire, you look at the capital dedicated to his death and the small crypt called confession, which houses his relics.

Representative of the classical style, the main facade has a Doric colossal order (an architectural order reigning over several levels), surmounted by an entablature (a band crowning a facade) and a pediment. The chapel houses in its choir a magnificent altarpiece made in 1609 and a tabernacle in marquetry. Paintings decorate the vault of the choir and its entrance. The sacristy is furnished with furniture where the sacred vessels, the priestly vestments, the objects necessary for worship, the registers and where the celebrants and the clergy put on and take off the vestments and liturgical clothes. It is decorated with a remarkable set of carved woodwork, loaded with religious monograms and monarchic emblems. The Saint-Louis Chapel regularly hosts exhibitions that highlight its beauty.

Unusual accommodations in the Givray woods

Unusual accommodation in the Givray woods

Unusual accommodation in the Givray woods

For business or family, share the friendly well-being and family atmosphere of Campanile hotels. On the southern outskirts of Poitiers, in the direction of Angoulême, near the airport, the Campanile hotel offers a warm welcome upon arrival, 49 comfortable rooms, a courtesy tray with kettle, tea and coffee. A full breakfast at will. A regional and family cuisine. The restaurant has a sunny terrace of 65 places. The hotel is at the bottom of a small wooded valley, park at the back with garden furniture to relax. Rest assured, no road noise. Seminar room for 22 people.