Discover Saint-Martin-de-Bernegoue, Gem of Deux-Sèvres

This course is part of the Niort - Marais Poitevin Trail Station. A course which will give you height and a panoramic view on the agglomeration and its surroundings when you cross the crests which link the communes of Saint Martin and Prahecq. There will be air in your lungs, don't forget to breathe! An easy trail in spite of the ridge. It is sure to motivate more than one budding trailer! Bonus at the start of the course: an area with outdoor weight machines is accessible to all. A real plus to do a PPG session at the start of this course! -> Trail Station marked course

Its name would be an alteration of forum (place of public meetings). In 1981, at Champ-Royal, excavations revealed the remains of an ancient vicus (small town) extending over three hectares with villas, baths, porticoes and forum. Mentioned for the first time in 1100, Fors is protected by its fortress, an advanced citadel of the castle of Niort erected by the Count of Poitou to delay the progression of attackers coming from the south. In 1494, the lord was Guy Poussard, a king's advisor, whose daughter Anne became the first mistress of the Count of Angouleme, the future Francis I, who would have built a manor house on the site of the castle. Part of the towers were used to build a town house in the 19th century. Today, only the ruins of the castle remain. -> Unmarked itinerary.

To the east of Niort, the commune of 5 villages (Vouillé Bourg, Gascougnolles, Arthenay, La Rivière and Vaumoreau) lies around the green valley of the Lambon. Although first mentioned in 1271, it has been occupied since prehistoric times. At the beginning of the 20th century, hemp, grown in the valley of Sieur Moreau (Vaumoreau), was used to make thread for weaving linen. The retting of the stalks was done in the river. The mansions, the longères, the pigeon houses and the dry-stone walls stand alongside the new town centre and the Place des Cinq Villages, which was opened in 2009. The rural architecture of Vouillé can be discovered by walking along its alleys and numerous footpaths -> Follow the red signposting "circuit des Puits" to discover some of the wells in the commune.

This cycle tour takes in the former communes of Montigné, Verrines-sous-Celles and Sainte-Blandine, and takes in places of interest such as the Fontaine du Marais (Croué washhouse), the church and priory in Verrines, rich in history. Parking and departure in the village of Montigné, opposite the school. Initiated in the 2000s, the walks and discoveries are now managed by the Mellois en Poitou Community of Communes, in collaboration with the local communes. To date, there are 50 of these itineraries, ranging in length from 1 to 16 km, enabling families, cyclists and experienced walkers to explore the region and discover its many facets (landscapes, small-scale heritage, etc.).

Come and relax on a walk that combines heritage discoveries and encounters with nature in the Belle valley, between low drystone walls and crystal-clear washhouses. Most of the walk takes you through a landscape of plains and ribbons of poplars. Parking and departure from Périgné church forecourt. Initiated in the 2000s, the walks are now managed by the Mellois en Poitou community of communes, in collaboration with the local communes. To date, there are 50 of these itineraries, ranging from 1 to 16 km, enabling families, cyclists and experienced walkers to explore the region and discover its many facets (landscapes, small-scale heritage, etc.).

From the Belle valley to the plains, this cyclo tour of the Périgné commune offers a wealth of varied landscapes and built heritage: the castles of "La Crézolle" and "Le Vau", the Périgné church. Parking lot and departure point in front of Périgné church. Initiated in the 2000s, the walks and discoveries are now managed by the Mellois en Poitou Community of Communes, in collaboration with the local communes. To date, there are 50 of these itineraries, ranging from 1 to 16 km, enabling families, cyclists and experienced walkers to explore the region and discover its many facets (landscapes, small-scale heritage, etc.).

This walk takes you on an original tour of a village: you can discover its subsoil through a visit to a quarry that has now been redeveloped for the general public: the Cinq-Coux quarry. The village is bisected by a main road, resulting in two different landscapes: on one side, plots of land bounded by a network of hedges of varying density, and on the other, fields as far as the eye can see. Parking and departure point, village center near the stadium. Initiated in the 2000s, the walks are now managed by the Mellois en Poitou community of communes, in collaboration with the local communes. To date, there are 50 of these itineraries, ranging in length from 1 to 16 km, enabling families, cyclists and experienced walkers to explore the region and discover its many facets (landscapes, small-scale heritage, etc.).

This hike, in the commune of Fressines, leads from the deep valley of the Lambon to the heights of the "Madeleines" plain and the village of Les Chaumettes, along paths often surrounded by high hedges. Parking and departure point on the banks of the Lambon, near Pied-Pouzin, where parking is available. Initiated in the 2000s, the walks are now managed by the Mellois en Poitou community of communes, in collaboration with the local communes. To date, there are 50 of these itineraries, ranging in length from 1 to 16 km, enabling families, cyclists and experienced walkers to explore the region and discover its many facets (landscapes, small-scale heritage, etc.).

Close to the village of Fressines, under a canopy of vegetation, this short hike passes through the Lambon valley, with its many stone walls and charming mule bridges. The Salpot is made up exclusively of paths and a few mineralized tracks. Departure from rue de la Billaudière (in the bend), parking available in "La Billaudière". Initiated in the 2000s, the walks are now managed by the Mellois en Poitou community of communes, in collaboration with the local communes. To date, there are 50 of these itineraries, ranging from 1 to 16 km, enabling families, cyclists and experienced walkers to explore the region and discover its many facets (landscapes, small-scale heritage, etc.).

First mentioned in 980, the village was renamed Symphorien during the Revolution. The village can be proud of having seen the birth of the ancestor of Lyndon Baines Johnson, 36th president of the United States: Pierre-François Creuzé, born in 1693, a persecuted Huguenot who emigrated to England and then to the Americas. Have a nice walk and don't forget that you are not alone on the paths you will take. We invite you to respect nature: avoid picking flowers and plants, do not leave any rubbish behind, respect inhabited areas, stay on the paths, keep dogs on a lead -> Unmarked itinerary

Gite fitted out in the extension of a large house, adjoining the owners. Enclosed courtyard (150m²) in front of the street, large walled garden with private space of 500m² and terrace (34m²) on the other side, garden furniture, electric barbecue. Carport. Small gym (rowing machine and elliptical). Ground floor: kitchen (15m²), living room (43m²), toilet in the laundry room, bedroom 1 (13m²-1 bed 140) with accessible shower room (toilet). Floor: bedroom 2 (15m²-2 beds 120, wc, shower room), bedroom 3 (17m²-1 bed 140, shower room, wc), bedroom 4 (25m²-1 bed 140, 1 bed 90, shower room, wc). Internet access by dedicated box in the gite. Electric heating and wood stove (extra charge). Chair and baby bed. Celles s/ Belle 10km, Niort 15km (market, museums, TGV), Melle 20km (roman art, festivals), Zoodyssée 13km (animal park in Chizé forest)

10 pitches. Water and drainage. Free access up to 3 days per month.

Pied à terre in Aiffres for those who love nature, quiet, near the Marais Poitevin classified "Grand Site of France", 2 km from Niort and 60 km from La Rochelle. Walking / cycling, fishing. Local stores. Cottage of 100 m2 comfortable single storey for 4-6 people. Living room with antique furniture, living room with sofa and leather armchair, fitted kitchen, shower room, WC, 3 bedrooms (bed of 140, dressing). LCD television with DVD / CD player, Wifi access. Sheets, linens and towels provided. Baby equipment on request. Garden of pleasure of 600 m2, terrace with living room of garden and barbecue. Electricity (except from Sep to June), heating and water included, tourist taxes not included. Our friends the animals must abstain. Activities: historical center and museums of Niort, Marais Poitevin, forest and Zoodysée of Chizé, Puy du Fou, Futuroscope, La Rochelle.

We have refurbished this characterful farmhouse with all the comforts to allow you to recharge your batteries and stay in the peace and quiet, away from the crowds In the middle of the fields but close to the village, it includes four spacious guest rooms with independent entrance, private toilets and bathrooms. Breakfast is served in the dining room or in the garden, where you can enjoy homemade jams and sweets, organic products, local specialities, drinks and various breads. We adapt to your dietary preferences (egg-free, milk-free, gluten-free etc) We put at your disposal a fully equipped kitchenette, a living room shared with the guests but independent from ours, a relaxation room/library, the garden with barbecue and garden furniture. Babies are welcome free of charge, equipment is available on request. Parking on the spot

If you love nature, hiking and cycling, this is the ideal place to come and recharge your batteries with family or friends. This spacious, detached house has a 400m² enclosed garden. The gîte is 800m from the Chizé Zoodyssée and 30 min from the Marais Poitevin.

Hotel located 3 km from the motorway, but also from the centre of Niort. It is a place of quality that is opened since March 2013, in a former farmhouse, with trendy decor with solarium, sauna, spa and outdoor swimming pool. Seminar for up to 90 people for a wedding or a party. The establishment can be privatized. It is equipped with a large enclosed and secure parking. Contact the hotel for pets.

Our hotel in Chauray Niort welcomes you 24 hours a day and offers 63 rooms, 1 buffet breakfast, 1 lounge bar, 3 daylight meeting rooms, 1 coworking space, 1 free secure enclosed parking lot, 2 electric vehicle charging stations.

Our hotel was a new build in 2017 offering 65 rooms. We also have a heated indoor swimming pool at 30°C, a fitness area, free parking and free Wi-Fi. 3 seminar rooms all equipped and available for rent. Ideally located 6min from Niort. Our team is young and dynamic and looks forward to welcoming you. Receptionist 24/7.

Situated 200m from the SNCF train station our hotel is near to the town centre. The Moka Hotel has 33 renovated rooms. The rooms are all air-conditioned with showers, equipped with high-end bedding, pillows, duvets and mattresses. A flat screen TV and a courtesy tray is available as well as Wi-Fi. The hotel does not have a car park but it benefits from the proximity to the ‘Place de la Brèche’ underground car park. Meeting room and luggage storage available. La Rochelle (45min) and Futuroscope (55min). Buffet Breakfast served on the ground floor. Open all year, except from 21 December 2020 to 2 January 2021.

Discover our hotel which offers 32 air conditioned rooms. The hotel is conveniently situated in the Marais Poitevin. La Rochelle (50min), Futuroscope (60min). Just 10 minutes from the motorway exit and 5 minutes from the town centre. Visit the old traditional villages and explore the Marais Poitevin. Private parking available. Wi-Fi available. Terrace available for a quiet breakfast.

Small shady park with several benches.

Its name derives from the Gallic bank designating the edge of a road or from the German berg meaning height and Groie which is a brown limestone land. The seigneury was first mentioned in 1244 and was attached to that of Prahecq, then to the Marquisat de Fors until 1611. In 1791, the parish belonged to the canton of Prahecq. One of his first lords was Aubert de Poilevoisin, who was supported by Hugues de Lusignan during the conflict between him and St Louis in 1242, which led to the temporary confiscation of his lands. In 1775, there were about twenty estates, a windmill and a stud. The old building, composed mainly of farms, today testifies to the agricultural past of the municipality. To see: Ste-Marie-Madeleine church, Pré palet (dolmen slab), Town hall-school, Monument An 2000, Clan St-Martin (mare), Pointe de l'Ether, Ouchelines site and Trailer des feuilles.

Built in XIè s. in a castral ensemble, it is restored in 1110 by Joscelin de Lezay to the abbey of St-Maixent, deprived of this property. Rebuilt at the end of the Middle Ages, burned down in 1568, then restored, it became at the Revolution a store for fodder and wood and a decadal temple. It is classified in 1911. To see: square of the transept of the XIIè s. covered in a flamboyant Gothic style reconstruction, Romanesque capitals (mitré abbot, mermaids), episcopal arch carved on the northern spur, altar coming from a classified altarpiece of the XIVè s.

Prahecq is representative of the transitional territories between the grouped habitat of the Charentes and that dispersed from the bocager countries of the west. Its name derives either from Pratius, a notable rich Picton, or from practice signifying wetland wetland. The castle, built in the 11th century, belongs to Hugues de Lusignan. He was taken in 1242 by Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of St Louis, then shaved in part to restrain his owner, then at the head of the barons Poitevins revolted against the king. Today there are only converted buildings from 1843 to 1954. The town is the home of Vanda Houmeau, wife of Ernest Pérochon, the first Prix Goncourt of the Deux-Sèvres. The municipality is experiencing strong economic development thanks to the establishment of businesses. To see: St-Maixent church, castle of the Vault, butte du peu, cemetery cross and Fosse de Paix (artesian well).

Although it is the smallest municipality in the canton of Prahecq and the least populated, Saint-Romans was occupied from the Bronze Age (objects preserved in the museums of Niort). First mentioned at the beginning of the 13th century, the village was originally called Saint-Romain-des-Champs. A soldier and Christian martyr of the 3rd century, Roman of Rome was celebrated on 09 August. Every last Sunday in July, the Communal Rural Entertainment Association organizes its old-fashioned hype festival. To see: the oratory of La Fragnée and the wash house of Puits-Neuf (face of a washerwoman crunched with a knife on the well by a man).

This small rural municipality, located in the heart of the plain, between Poitou and Saintonge, is crossed to the north by the Marmais stream and to the south by the Courance. Named for the first time in the 13th century, it belonged to the Chizé castle, then to the Marquisat de Fors. The village, grouped around its Romanesque church, completely redesigned over the centuries, today retains its agricultural vocation. To see: church of Saint-Maixent, former windmill of Grand Noyer, wash house and communal educational apiary.

Watered by the Courance, the village of Brûlain was in the twelfth century in the hands of the Lusignans. In 1716, the parish had 43 farms. The subdelegate Laurent Chebrou writes in his State of the election of Niort: "There are raised many sheep, many mares, most of them clean for the carriage... It is home to the most beautiful stud studs and stud studs in the whole province". In 1817 Baptiste-Paul Grimaud, the inventor of the reversible card with the portrait with two heads, was born in the town, where a pump and a wash-house were installed, and the public library was endowed with numerous works. The farming tradition continues today: two farms transform their milk production into cheese and butter. What to see: Château de la Mothe-du-Bois, gentilhommière de Bourgneuf, église Saint-Martin.

Its name would be a forum alteration (place of public meetings). In 1981, at the Champ-Royal, excavations revealed the remains of an ancient Vicus (small town) stretching over 3 hectares with villas, thermal baths, porticoes and forum. Cited for the first time in 1100, Fors is protected by its fortress, an advanced citadel of the castle of Niort erected by the Count of Poitou to delay the advance of attackers coming from the south. In 1494, the châtelain was Guy Poussard, advisor to the king, whose daughter Anne became the first mistress of the Comte d'Angoulême, the future Francis I who would have had him build a mansion of pleasure on the site of the castel. Some of the towers were used to build a bourgeois house in the 19th century. Today, only ruins remain of the castle. To see: Notre Dame church, old cheese factory (private), bread oven, and arboretum of the Pétousse.

Area located in the centre of town, green park with playground for children.

First mentioned in 986, this rural municipality, watered by the Courance, is located on the edge of the forest massif of Chizé. According to popular tradition, the nomadic king Francis I, owner of a kennel at Rimbault, village of Marigny until 1929, hunted deer. He appreciated the grape varieties of the locality like the crazy white for the white wine and the balzac for the red wine. In 1910, Yves Rabault, the Poitevin bard, author of Histouères et chantuseries, was born in the town, a collection of all his works, including the famous Sauce aux Lumas. To see: castle of Péré-en-Forêt (15th, 17th and 19th centuries), church of St-Jean-l'Evangéliste (choir classified as a historical monument), former hunting event of Groichère (rural houses characteristic of the end of the Middle Ages).

New and modern, the Poitou-Charentes area offers plenty of opportunities to relax and restore you to enjoy your break in our region.

Gastronomic restaurant at the Château du Domaine du Griffier. Inventive "homemade" cuisine of extreme quality between land and sea. A decoration between tradition and modernity. Think of the terrace on sunny days: the view of the castle is sumptuous. Catering activity for your receptions or weddings at Domaine du Griffier.

"Le Ranch du Piot," traditional restaurant, opened with new owners on 14 November 2016. Anne and Gérard welcome you in a warm and friendly atmosphere with a cuisine imagined time and cooked by Gerard. A small reception room you can bask wait for friends or family. Everything was designed to make you feel good and Anne is here to serve you (included!). Cook for 30 years, Gerard will put your taste buds highlight! The restaurant is open for lunch from Monday to Saturday and the evenings of Friday and Saturday. Sunday is reserved for groups. The hall has a capacity of 50 people and a terrace will be built in the spring to enjoy the sun and heat to the delight of customers. The restaurant is located in the town of Vouillé and the motorway exit No. 32 for the happiness of those who do not like to eat on the highway!

18th century house in a classified park of 3 hectares. Seminar, pool, tennis court, guest rooms. Traditional catering, fresh seasonal produce. Open all year from Tuesday to Saturday.

(Re)discover the great taste of local produce! And yes, La Fabrik?Locale is much more than just a brasserie: it's a genuine selection of good local produce to take you on a unique taste journey! A concept that favors good products, to the delight of our taste buds!

Gite fitted out in the extension of a large house, adjoining the owners. Enclosed courtyard (150m²) in front of the street, large walled garden with private space of 500m² and terrace (34m²) on the other side, garden furniture, electric barbecue. Carport. Small gym (rowing machine and elliptical). Ground floor: kitchen (15m²), living room (43m²), toilet in the laundry room, bedroom 1 (13m²-1 bed 140) with accessible shower room (toilet). Floor: bedroom 2 (15m²-2 beds 120, wc, shower room), bedroom 3 (17m²-1 bed 140, shower room, wc), bedroom 4 (25m²-1 bed 140, 1 bed 90, shower room, wc). Internet access by dedicated box in the gite. Electric heating and wood stove (extra charge). Chair and baby bed. Celles s/ Belle 10km, Niort 15km (market, museums, TGV), Melle 20km (roman art, festivals), Zoodyssée 13km (animal park in Chizé forest)

10 pitches. Water and drainage. Free access up to 3 days per month.

Large independent restored house, preserved character (visible stones), located in a hamlet at 2.5km from the village. Farm of the owners at 100m (goat cheese). Enclosed garden (90m²-terrace, garden furniture, barbecue), enclosed orchard (400m²-swings) in front of the gite. Tiled ground floor: fitted kitchen-living room (78m²), shower room, wc. Floor: bedroom 1 (24m²-1 bed 140, 1 extra bed 90), bedroom 2 (16m²-1 bed 140), bedroom 3 (24m²-1 bed 140, 1 extra bed 90). Heating: heat pump and electric radiators (extra charge), air conditioning on the ground floor. Marais Poitevin 28km (marked trails, boat and bike rental), Niort 20km (museums, market, TGV station), Futuroscope and La Rochelle 1h. Telephone: cell phone with card (please buy card).

15 min from Niort and 20 min from the Marais Poitevin, Nathalie and Eric welcome you to their guest house, a small château built in 1891, the former home of a Cognac merchant, in the village of Fors. Enclosed west-facing garden, parking in enclosed courtyard. On the second floor, the Jonquille room with magnificent 15m² bathroom and private toilet. In a wing of the Château, the 2 rooms Myosotis and Les Lys (in the tower) can be rented in 3 ways: complete privatization of the wing (Myosotis and Les Lys) or Myosotis and its bathroom or Les Lys. On the 2nd floor, the Iris room, a family suite overlooking the garden. You'll enjoy a lovely, spacious living room on the ground floor, with a dining area, where you can prepare your own meals, or order them from a caterer. Breakfasts, with homemade jams, are served in the Tower or on the terrace in fine weather.

20mn from Niort and 35mn from the Marais Poitevin, the gîte "Les Marronniers", in the countryside, in a quiet hamlet, has a courtyard with enclosed lawn of 700m² with sun loungers. 90m² terrace with pergola (plancha and barbecue). Petanque court. Wellness area with 6-person spa, relaxation lounge and TV. Ground floor: functional, well-equipped 23m² kitchen-dining room opening onto the terrace, games room (22m²-baby-foot, darts, etc.), shower room with wc, living room (29m²) communicating with a 26m² lounge, bedroom 1 (14m²-bed 160x200, private communicating shower room), separate wc. Upstairs: bedroom 2 (11m²-2 beds 90x190), bedroom 3 (11.50m²-2 beds 90x190), bedroom 4 (17m²-bed 160x200, bed 90X190), bathroom with bath, shower and double washbasin, separate wc.

Come and escape for a night, a weekend, or for as long as you like. Enjoy an 80m2 loft with a subdued atmosphere, private indoor SPA, room with XXL round bed, pole dance podium, and massage room... It is a place definitely dedicated to love. For each stay, we offer you a half bottle of champagne and breakfast. You can order your evening meals and drinks, which will be delivered directly to you before your arrival. It is also possible to book gift boxes.

In Pays Mellois, 40 min from the Marais Poitevin and 1 hour from Futuroscope, our gîte will offer you a quiet stay in a rural environment. Exposed south-facing, without any opposite, this comfortable stone mansion built in the 18th century and independent, offers an unobstructed view from the garden over the countryside and a welcoming meadow of ponies. Inside, the charm of the old is combined with modern equipment: a fully equipped kitchen with gas hob, dishwasher, microwave, fridge, freezer...fireplace and old wood stove. A living room, a dining room with a large wooden table and fireplace, TV, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 TV lounge, separate WC. Amateur of pottery, adults or children, you will be able to take advantage of Laurence's workshop, which can be visited at any time and initiate you to the turning and modelling of clay.