Discover Chize, Deux-Sèvres, Poitou-Charentes and its Wonders

This walk and discovery trail, in the communes of Vernoux-sur-Boutonne and Périgné, offers a wealth of varied landscapes and built heritage: the Vernoux-sur-Boutonne hydraulic ram, the remarkable Foucambert washhouse, the "La Crézolle" castle, the Vilaine stone bridge and the old Gènebrie mill. Parking and departure from place de la mairie and salle des fêtes. 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.).

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.).

This course is part of the Niort - Marais Poitevin Trail Station. A forest course for trailers who want to work on their endurance. This course will allow you to do technical sessions such as Fartleck with feeling, blocks with threshold and many others! -> Trail Station marked course

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.).

Enjoy a walk at the edge of the forest of Chizé and discover the charming village of Beauvoir-sur-Niort.

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.).

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.

Come and relax on a ride that combines heritage discoveries and encounters with nature. This cyclo tour offers a wide variety of landscapes, from plains with panoramic views in the commune of Lusseray to the marshes of the Boutonne valley in the communes of Chérigné and Luché-sur-Brioux. Parking and departure near the Luché-sur-Brioux village hall. 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 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

Come and relax on a walk that combines heritage discoveries with nature. This city loop, covering the communes of Saint-Romans-Lès-Melle and Mazières-sur-Béronne, offers an encounter with medieval architecture, between the archpriesthood and its church. Parking lot and start between Saint-Romans-Lès-Melle church and the wash-house. 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.).

Our "MIRA" hut is perched and well hidden in an exceptional holm oak tree at least three hundred years old at the bottom of a charming little wood. It is hardly noticeable as it communicates so much with the tree that welcomes it. On the first level, a 20m2 room with a 15m2 terrace with a lounge and coffee table. Above, a small mezzanine extended by a balcony hidden in the ridge branches aspires to reverie accompanied by the whispering of leaves and the singing of birds .. At the foot of the hut, a fully equipped kitchen shed for preparing meals. A shower shed with separate private toilets. A sheltered space under the hut. The hut is equipped with hot and cold water, electricity and heating.

Our LOV'NID MIRA is a small one for lovers, perched 8 meters above the ground, in a small wood adjoining an orchard, near the river. It is a small spherical-shaped hut, a cosy little nest, offering a view of the sky thanks to a porthole placed above a vast circular bed. It is insulated with sheep's wool and covered with larch shingles. A wonderful place where you will share unforgettable moments as a lover or a family.. Access is via a large staircase with a douglas fir landing leading to a terrace surrounding the hut. A caravan is located at the foot of the hut with a table and benches convertible into a double bed. Both cabins are equipped with hot and cold water, electricity and heating.

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.

Charming and spacious house of 160m2 on the edge of the river 6 to 8 Pers 3 Ch 3 SDB. Come and recharge your batteries in this beautiful haven of peace in the heart of the Pays Mellois. This pretty typical house redone to nine, in natural materials will know how to seduce you by its calm and privileged environment. Our ecogite combines the comfort of modernity while respecting the charm of the architecture. The gite is located in a historic setting on the water's edge and brings serenity and relaxation. The sound of the river invites you to recharge your batteries. Beautiful walks can be discovered from the house, such as the Chemin de Compostelle. You will find all amenities and activities within 10km. 35 minutes from Niort and the Marais Poitevin and 1 hour from Poitiers, Saintes and La Rochelle. This place is to discover! Looking forward to meeting you! Gaëlle and Nicolas.

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.

The oldest silver mines in the world that can be visited, exploited from the 7th to the end of the 10th century, at the time of Charlemagne, to supply the monetary workshop with precious metal. 3D film presenting the history of the mines, the mining and metallurgical techniques, underground guided tour of 350m of galleries, 3D film explaining coinage. All visits are guided.

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.

Located in Melle, Villa Mitsou features a garden, terrace, bar and free Wi-Fi throughout. It is around 23 km from the Tumulus de Bougon museum, 30 km from Zoodyssee and Niort town hall. This non-smoking establishment is 29 km from Niort railway station. Spacious rooms include a wardrobe. The private bathroom features a shower, free toiletries and bathrobes. Bed linen and towels are provided.

The Grand Bousseau in Prissé-la-Charrière (chief town of the new commune of the Plaine d'Argenson), located in the locality of La Charrière, the Grand Bousseau forest, Espace Naturel Sensible (ENS), is a relic of the forest massif of Argenson where beech wood is produced.

The 16th and 17th century dwelling was built in a square courtyard, defended by two towers (three in the past). The old dwelling (16th century) was remodeled in the 16th century by Briand des Gittons, who was received as a Knight of Malta in 1549 and Commander of Mauléon in 1580. The 17th century dwelling was probably built on the plans of François Le Duc, known as Toscane, in 1697. He was the architect of the Abbey of Celles, the Carmel of Niort, the Abbey of Saint-Maixent and the Abbey of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe. The owners were the cockerels of Saint-Léger. The large port passed by marriage in 1704 to the family of Bremonds d'Ars and by marriage still to its current owner. It has been the subject of an important restoration program since 1980. The dovecote, the largest of the Mellois. Visit on reservation or on times of animations.

This former seigneurial estate was once called St-Martin-d'Augé. It included a priory close to the forest of Chizé. Where does this name come from? In the fourth century, Martin, then abbot of Ligugé, going from Availles-s.-Chizé to Mauzé-s.-le-Mignon, stopped there to evangelize the population. In 1804, the prefect Dupin wrote that "the wines, which constitute the most important income of the commune, are good, especially the whites. It is made an excellent brandy that is very close to that of Cognac". In 1928, the village takes the name of Boisserolles, located 1 km from Augé, mentioned in the 13th century. and where the town hall is located. In 2018, it merged with Prissé-la-Charrière, Belleville and St-Etienne-la-Cigogne to form the new commune of Plaine d'Argenson. What to see: former priory of St-Martin, fountain of Augé, monumental cross in homage to the combatants...

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).

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.

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).

It is a state forest, whose area extends over about 3 hectares. It is a conservatory forest thanks to the National Forestry Office. It is home to many species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects.

Open all year round, Monday to Friday for lunch and Friday evening. Saturday noon, June to September. Evenings and Sundays upon reservation for groups.

buffet menu and petit carte bistro, served every lunchtime

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.

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.

Whether you choose the brasserie or bistronomic formula, fresh, seasonal produce is the order of the day on your plate. The chef and his team demonstrate a real knack for revisiting gastronomy according to the seasons, while adding a touch of modernity. Dishes to be enjoyed in a pub atmosphere or in a more modern, designer setting.

It is right in the centre of Melle, a small Romanesque town of character, that Les Glycines welcomes you all year round. A restful stopover in this dwelling, a tasty restaurant and cosy hotel, a beautiful bourgeois house with a sunny terrace bordered by magnificent wisteria. 7 rooms, a gastronomic restaurant and a bar where lunch is served in a bistro formula at a low price. Over the seasons, a duo of chefs Eric Caillon and Christophe Auger compete with inventiveness centred on the product above all, a modern tone to interpret the richness of our terroir. Already more than 20 years of collaboration... Regional products on offer: goats, Parthenaise meat, goat's cheese.

Our "MIRA" hut is perched and well hidden in an exceptional holm oak tree at least three hundred years old at the bottom of a charming little wood. It is hardly noticeable as it communicates so much with the tree that welcomes it. On the first level, a 20m2 room with a 15m2 terrace with a lounge and coffee table. Above, a small mezzanine extended by a balcony hidden in the ridge branches aspires to reverie accompanied by the whispering of leaves and the singing of birds .. At the foot of the hut, a fully equipped kitchen shed for preparing meals. A shower shed with separate private toilets. A sheltered space under the hut. The hut is equipped with hot and cold water, electricity and heating.

Our LOV'NID MIRA is a small one for lovers, perched 8 meters above the ground, in a small wood adjoining an orchard, near the river. It is a small spherical-shaped hut, a cosy little nest, offering a view of the sky thanks to a porthole placed above a vast circular bed. It is insulated with sheep's wool and covered with larch shingles. A wonderful place where you will share unforgettable moments as a lover or a family.. Access is via a large staircase with a douglas fir landing leading to a terrace surrounding the hut. A caravan is located at the foot of the hut with a table and benches convertible into a double bed. Both cabins are equipped with hot and cold water, electricity and heating.

Ideal for a stay with family or friends, the gîtes de la fontaine welcome you in a quiet and green environment, facing the meadow and the poplars. At Flavie's, you can enjoy the large wooden terrace with a pergola on the south side. In winter, you can enjoy the wood fire in the fireplace. For people with reduced mobility, there is a bedroom and an adapted bathroom on the ground floor. The Flavie gîte can be twinned with the Marie gîte. These two gites can be rented together (access by the inside through the games room and the small museum located between the two). Nearby, hiking trails, Baudet du Poitou asinerie, Château de Dampierre sur Boutonne, Zoodyssée, Aulnay Romanesque church, Terra Aventura geocaching trail. 30 mn away, Marais Poitevin, Melle silver mines, Niort and its keep. One hour from La Rochelle, Cognac, Futuroscope.

The gites de la Fontaine welcome you in a quiet and green environment, ideal for nature lovers. At Marie's, you will appreciate the terrace facing the meadow and the poplars, inside the large dining room and the games room with bar, ping-pong and table football. On the ground floor, a bedroom and a bathroom are accessible for people with reduced mobility. Twinned with the gîte Flavie (the two gîtes can be rented together, with access from the inside through the games room and the small museum situated between the two)

Ideal for a stay with family or friends, the gîtes de la Fontaine welcome you in a quiet and green environment. Chez Octavie, a pretty stone house, located in a hamlet, on the edge of the river and near the forest of Chizé. You can enjoy the arbour in summer and relax by the fire in winter Nearby, hiking trails, Baudet du Poitou farm, Château de Dampierre sur Boutonne, Zoodyssée, Aulnay Romanesque church, Terra Aventura geocaching course. 30 mn away, Marais Poitevin, Melle silver mines, Niort and its keep. One hour from La Rochelle, Cognac, Futuroscope.

Nestled in the heart of the Chizé forest, this completely renovated 19th century sheepfold welcomes you to a haven of peace and well-being, just a 10-minute walk from Zoodyssée. At the gateway to the Marais Poitevin and less than an hour from the Atlantic coast, La Rochelle, Île de Ré? we offer two upstairs rooms, on a private level. Each is equipped with a 160x200 bed, shower room and WC. The family room can accommodate an extra bed, as well as the possibility of an adjoining bedroom, rates to be agreed.

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.

In the heart of the forest, in Villiers en Bois, we welcome you to Le Prioulet for a family celebration, a school trip, a stopover or a company seminar. This communal structure has retained its wooden beams, exposed stone walls and carvings to give the place all the charm and originality it needs. Le Prioulet offers quality accommodation with 2 reception rooms and 59 beds in 2 buildings: - The "La Chapelle" building with a large function room for 80 people and 16 beds - T&H certified (hearing, mental, visual) - The "La Grange" building with a small reception room for 24 people and 43 beds - T&H-approved (auditory, mental, visual, motor) - A "Point Accueil Jeune" where you can set up your tent, caravan or camper van Rentals can be adapted to suit your needs. Management is free.

Logis de La Bernière is a magnificent 18th century country estate, consisting of a small castle, a dovecote and estate buildings, some of which have been renovated into gîtes, all situated on 3 hectares of land in the heart of the Poitou Charentes region of western France near Niort is the Marais Poitevin - the green Venice of France.