Discover Saint-Coutant, Charente, Poitou-charentes

This hike takes a look at the river Charente, particularly appreciated by François I, with all that the landscape reading can provide us.

The paths crossed are in the northern extension of the plateau of the red flinty soils of the Ruffecois, and are well in an atmosphere of Charentais landscapes.

To do this hike is to go through the valley of the Cibioux which takes its source near the village of Surin and runs to Lizant.

Discover Charroux and its surroundings... In medieval times Charroux had a rich and powerful abbey. Today it is a "small city of character".

This common route to Asnois and Charroux is dominated by the theme of water with fountains, fords and mills on the river Charente, ponds...

The hiking trail "Cornac et Cibiou", named after the two rivers it runs alongside, offers two contrasting landscapes: one open (the plateau) and the other closed (the valley).

Departure : Church of Civray The origin of the name of this circuit is quite simple: indeed, it links the communes of Saint Macoux, Saint Saviol and Saint Pierre d'Exideuil. It follows the river Charente "the most beautiful stream of the kingdom" according to François 1er. You can discover along this path a beautiful architectural heritage such as the castle of Léray, the castle of l' Etang built on a dry pond, the garden of Rocaille of Saint-Saviol or the church-saint-pierre of Saint Pierre d'Exideuil.

This route, which passes through the communes of Savigné and Civray along the Charente, was so named because the writer André Theuriet (1833-1907) had the opportunity, during his youth in Civray, to take part of it during his walks.

The lover of landscapes and sites will find on this circuit the consequences of the action of the man and his conquest of the natural environment.

This circuit takes you through the quiet valley of the river Charente, characterized by its calm and freshness offering an ideal setting for hiking. You will discover the many riches of this river as well as numerous examples of the life of the past thanks to a small built heritage still very present (water mills, wash houses, bridges, lime kilns...). A pond (Saint-Macoux), woods, meadows will also be part of the tour...

In the heart of the countryside, this bed and breakfast is ideally located for a stay in the green, while being close to tourist sites: abbey of Charroux, Valley of the Monkeys, the Cormenier, the Vegetal Labyrinth... It's in this medieval castle from before the 15th century, devastated during the wars of religion and refurbished in the taste of the 17th century, that you will stay. Enjoy the beautiful 16th century loggia where dinners and breakfasts are served, giving direct access to a very comfortable "SUITE" overlooking the valley. You will be welcomed and served by the owner.

Brewery

To recharge your batteries as a family or spend quality time with friends! At the Porte Océane du Limousin, a small country road leads to the hamlet of 16 fully-enclosed gîtes for the safety of your children. Whether on foot, mountain bike or horseback, you can stroll along the lake or take one of the many hiking trails. The swimming pool (open from Ascension Day to mid-September) is the perfect place to unwind! Nearby: volleyball court, children's playground, seasonal communal restaurant, Terra Aventura geocaching. Hiking and TripNBike welcome. An ideal place for family or friendly gatherings. Note that the FESTI'PLAGE will be held from August 2 to 4, 2024, on the La Chassagne site (concerts, festive and craft markets, funfair, fireworks on Sunday evening)

To recharge your batteries as a family or spend quality time with friends! At the Porte Océane du Limousin, a small country road leads to the hamlet of 16 fully-enclosed gîtes for the safety of your children. Whether on foot, mountain bike or horseback, you can stroll along the lake or take one of the many hiking trails. Why not relax in the swimming pool (open from Ascension Day to mid-September)? Nearby: volleyball court, children's playground, seasonal communal restaurant, Terra Aventura geocaching. Hiking and TripNBike welcome. An ideal place for family or friendly gatherings. Note that the FESTI'PLAGE will be held from August 2 to 4, 2024, on the La Chassagne site (concerts, festive and craft markets, funfair, fireworks on Sunday evening)

To recharge your batteries as a family or spend quality time with friends! At the Porte Océane du Limousin, a small country road leads to the hamlet of 16 fully-enclosed gîtes for the safety of your children. Whether on foot, mountain bike or horseback, you can stroll along the lake or take one of the many hiking trails. The swimming pool (open from Ascension Day to mid-September) is the perfect place to unwind! Nearby: volleyball court, children's playground, seasonal communal restaurant, Terra Aventura geocaching. An ideal place for family or friendly gatherings. Note that the FESTI'PLAGE will be held from August 2 to 4, 2024, on the La Chassagne site (concerts, festive and craft markets, funfair, fireworks on Sunday evening)

To recharge your batteries as a family or spend quality time with friends! At the Porte Océane du Limousin, a small country road leads to the hamlet of 16 fully-enclosed gîtes for the safety of your children. Whether on foot, mountain bike or horseback, you can stroll along the lake or take one of the many hiking trails. The swimming pool (open from Ascension Day to mid-September) is the perfect place to unwind! Nearby: volleyball court, children's playground, seasonal communal restaurant, Terra Aventura geocaching. An ideal place for family or friendly gatherings. Note that the FESTI'PLAGE will be held from August 2 to 4, 2024, on the La Chassagne site (concerts, festive and craft markets, funfair, fireworks on Sunday evening)

To recharge your batteries as a family or spend quality time with friends! At the Porte Océane du Limousin, a small country road leads to the hamlet of 16 fully-enclosed gîtes for the safety of your children. Whether on foot, mountain bike or horseback, you can stroll along the lake or take one of the many hiking trails. The swimming pool (open from Ascension Day to mid-September) is the perfect place to unwind! Nearby: volleyball court, children's playground, seasonal communal restaurant, Terra Aventura geocaching. An ideal place for family or friendly gatherings. Note that the FESTI'PLAGE will be held from August 2 to 4, 2024, on the La Chassagne site (concerts, festive and craft markets, funfair, fireworks on Sunday evening)

To recharge your batteries as a family or spend quality time with friends! At the Porte Océane du Limousin, a small country road leads to the hamlet of 16 fully-enclosed gîtes for the safety of your children. Whether on foot, mountain bike or horseback, you can stroll along the lake or take one of the many hiking trails. The swimming pool (open from Ascension Day to mid-September) is the perfect place to unwind! Nearby: volleyball court, children's playground, seasonal communal restaurant, Terra Aventura geocaching. An ideal place for family or friendly gatherings. Note that the FESTI'PLAGE will be held from August 2 to 4, 2024, on the La Chassagne site (concerts, festive and craft markets, funfair, fireworks on Sunday evening)

To recharge your batteries as a family or spend quality time with friends! At the Porte Océane du Limousin, a small country road leads to the hamlet of 16 fully-enclosed gîtes for the safety of your children. Whether on foot, mountain bike or horseback, you can stroll along the lake or take one of the many hiking trails. The swimming pool (open from Ascension Day to mid-September) is the perfect place to unwind! Nearby: volleyball court, children's playground, seasonal communal restaurant, Terra Aventura geocaching. Hiking and TripNBike welcome. An ideal place for family or friendly gatherings. Note that the FESTI'PLAGE will be held from August 2 to 4, 2024, on the La Chassagne site (concerts, festive and craft markets, funfair, fireworks on Sunday evening)

To recharge your batteries as a family or spend quality time with friends! At the Porte Océane du Limousin, a small country road leads to the hamlet of 16 fully-enclosed gîtes for the safety of your children. Whether on foot, mountain bike or horseback, you can stroll along the lake or take one of the many hiking trails. The swimming pool (open from Ascension Day to mid-September) is the perfect place to unwind! Nearby: volleyball court, children's playground, seasonal communal restaurant, Terra Aventura geocaching. An ideal place for family or friendly gatherings. Note that the FESTI'PLAGE will be held from August 2 to 4, 2024, on the La Chassagne site (concerts, festive and craft markets, funfair, fireworks on Sunday evening)

Reconstruction of the classroom at the start of free public school, when it became obligatory. Counting on an abacus Writing with a sergeant-major pen and purple ink Leafing through books and notebooks Admire the sewing and woodwork done by the 1907 students.

Romanesque church with an interesting portal and bell tower Listed as a historical monument since 1926. The door of the church has 3 bands decorated with moldings and 2 arcades. The length from the bottom of the apse (semi-circular end) to the door is 25m, the length of the arms of the cross is 15m and the width of the nave is 5m50. The apse is pierced by 3 Romanesque windows decorated internally with moldings The transept, the transverse gallery of the church that separates the choir from the nave, also has a Romanesque window. The bell tower, in the form of a dome, rises in the center of the cross and is supported by square pilasters on which round columns are installed. The bases of these columns are decorated with moldings. This bell tower is octagonal, made of ashlar and pierced with Romanesque windows.

Old bridge over the Charente. Listed as a historical monument since February 18, 1927. This bridge called "Roman" has a very old origin without however going back to the Gallo-Roman period. It could date from the 13th century but no date incrusted in the stone nor any document has yet allowed us to correctly date its origin. This bridge is built in limestone, it is 80 m high, 4 m wide and has a humpback profile. On the downstream side, the two main piers are reinforced by rectangular blocks. On the upstream side, over the triangular bridge fronts, the parapet forms, at the level of the roadway, 2 triangular refuges for pedestrians. Do not hesitate to come and discover this majestic bridge over the Charente.

Built in the 15th century on the side of a valley, the building features a sumptuous 16th-century loggia lined with balusters, beneath which is an elegant chapel. A 17th-century paved terrace overlooks the stream that gives the château its name. Inside, you'll discover mid-17th-century furnishings and fittings. The tour is led by the owner. You can round off your visit to the history of the southern Vienne region with a visit to the remains of the Saint Sauveur Abbey in Charroux, just a few kilometers away. Open May 01 to September 30, 2pm to 6pm Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays Admission : ? Children under 13: free ? over 13: 5 ? ? Groups (more than 10 people): 4 ? per person.

In Ansois, in the south of Vienne, take time to laze by the water at the leisure area La Roussille. Children and adults will have fun with the playground, the city stadium and the petanque field. You can also picnic, a shelter is installed in case of bad weather. Take the opportunity to explore the nearby Moulin de la Roussille, built in the 15th century, it will keep you cool between its thick walls.

Old flour mill with turbines and stone millstones. Exhibition of archives and milling objects.

The church of Notre Dame, in Genouillé in the south of the Vienne, is said to have been founded by Charlemagne. The present building has been built during several periods: 12th century, 18th century and 19th century. With its façade and its listed interior furnishings, this church is typical of the small rural churches of Poitou. Its facade has kept its primitive decoration with 3 archivolts with religious decoration, plants and dragons, griffins and lions The interior was restored in 2010 with sculptures and the exterior in 2015. Free visit from 9 am to 6 pm Visit on reservation - 05 49 87 10 71- Tuesday at 15h00

This picnic area welcomes you with 5 tables for 6 people (not covered)

The Romanesque church, built in the 12th century, was fortified in the 15th century, during the insecurity of the Hundred Years War. The portal of the western facade, the cornices with modillions and the capitals of the nave constitute privileged supports for beautifully crafted Romanesque sculptures. The gilded wooden tabernacle, dating from the 18th century, is one of the most beautiful examples in the department. After the Eucharistic miracle of April 2, 1643, when only a host and the foot of a chalice miraculously survived a fire, Pressac became famous. It was classified as a Historic Monument in 1987. A heritage desk installed at the entrance will give you information on this monument.

This picnic area features 2 tables seating 6 (uncovered)

Located on the rest area, this chalet style restaurant, warm atmosphere with its chimney and its visible beams, proposes you its menus from 21,00 €. Formula of the day 13.50€, as well as its card, from 9,00 € to 18,00 €. The menus are elaborated essentially from fresh products Taste the chef's specialties: Mexican-style pork ribs, gourmet plate ... During the summer season, you can enjoy all the mussels and fries you want. You can also take advantage of its large shaded and pleasantly flowered terrace. The restaurant "Le Chalet" welcomes you on reservation on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for the dinner service. Closing period : 3 weeks in October

Located in the heart of the Floating Village, on the quays opposite the floating grill huts, this restaurant will present you its regularly renewed menu made of fresh products. The chef will propose you his menu of the day at 14.50 €, his menus from 20,00 € to 30,00 € and also, in season, mussels and French fries. During the summer season, you can enjoy its three floating terraces: a change of scenery guaranteed! The restaurant "La Marina du Ponteil" welcomes you, clients of the Floating Village and external clients, every lunchtime (except Monday) and every evening (except Monday and Sunday), from mid February to mid November. Open 7/7 in July and August

Located in the heart of the village, this restaurant with a friendly setting and a family atmosphere will offer you its daily menu at 12,00 €. The restaurant "Le Virage" welcomes you every lunchtime from Monday to Saturday. Period of closing : one week during the school vacations of February and one week during those of December.

Take a break in Charroux, a small city of character, and in a family atmosphere, enjoy a menu that gives pride of place to fresh products and home-made cooking Friday : Portuguese specialties / Portuguese wines

Brewery - Pub

The Café Portebleue is situated at the foot of a castle in one of the prettiest villages in Charente.

Near Civray, enjoy the shaded terrace and the large parking lot. The restaurant is on the same level and is easily accessible for people with reduced mobility. The menus are changed every 2 months, with local products highlighted.

Bar and bistro in Mauprévoir

Located on the banks of the Charente, in Civray, one hour from Poitiers, the Hôtel du Commerce is a gustatory interlude with preparations and menus rooted in the seasons, home-made with local products. The time of a lunch or a dinner, alone or accompanied, between friends, colleagues or in family, come to spend a pleasant and warm moment. The Hotel du Commerce also offers a hotel service with seven comfortable rooms at your disposal to spend a pleasant stay in the heart of Poitou.

Come to our restaurant in the heart of Civray and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal with a glass of fine wine! It's also an opportunity to discover a warm and friendly place!

In the heart of the countryside, this bed and breakfast is ideally located for a stay in the green, while being close to tourist sites: abbey of Charroux, Valley of the Monkeys, the Cormenier, the Vegetal Labyrinth... It's in this medieval castle from before the 15th century, devastated during the wars of religion and refurbished in the taste of the 17th century, that you will stay. Enjoy the beautiful 16th century loggia where dinners and breakfasts are served, giving direct access to a very comfortable "SUITE" overlooking the valley. You will be welcomed and served by the owner.

Enjoy a "green" stay in the heart of the countryside in the south of the Vienne, in a spacious gite located in an old farm of the XVIIIth century, while being close to the tourist sites: 10 min from the Abbey of Charroux, 20 min from the Cormenier, 25 min from the Vallée des Singes, 1h from the Futuroscope... The accommodation offers all the modern comforts, while keeping its original character: wooden beams, exposed stone walls... The terrace and the swimming pool are at your disposal for relaxing moments.

Take advantage of this 3-star furnished accommodation in the countryside of southern Vienne, ideal for a stay "in the green" while being close to the tourist sites of the area (Charroux Abbey, the Valley of the Monkeys, Le Cormenier...) The well-equipped gîte retains the charm of the original farmhouse. The terrace and the swimming pool are perfect for relaxing moments.

This beautifully restored Poitevin house is just 3 minutes from Genouillé, a pretty village in southern Vienne. Comfortably equipped, the gîte enjoys a lovely view over the surrounding countryside, and will enable you to spend a peaceful stay thanks to the garden furniture provided. An above-ground swimming pool (unsupervised bathing) is available from May 15 to September 15.

The Maison de Villars, an old house from the 18th century with the charm of exposed beams, is composed of three rooms and can accommodate eight people.

Located in the south of the Vienne department, on the banks of the river Charente, the gite will allow you to enjoy a quiet vacation. Only 5 km from the town of Charroux you can discover the small city of character and the remains of the abbey Saint Sauveur. You will also be close to important sites : 5 min from Civray, 15 min from Cormenier, 20 min from the Vallée des Singes, 1 h from Futuroscope... The exposure of this stone house, renovated by the owners, offers you a panoramic view of the countryside of the Charente river valley. The gite is equipped with all modern comforts and you can also enjoy the outside terrace For the decoration lovers, all the furniture has been painted with chalk and waxed, patinated. The owner operates this activity in a store. Training courses can be proposed.

Who has never dreamed of sleeping in a hut on the water or in an African-style lodge? It's an unusual, funny and unforgettable experience! The Pressac Floating Village is an original place, ideal for families, friends, lovers or tribes. In a natural and preserved aquatic site, come and sleep in floating cabins, moored in the middle of a pond, or in lodges on stilts like African huts with all comfort, unusual and ecological accommodations A unique concept in France of about 20 floating cabins and 5 lodges on stilts to sleep, fish, have meals, discover the fauna and flora... in a Natura 2000 classified area Each lodge is composed of two "huts" connected by a terrace (50m²). They have all the modern comfort (water and electricity).

In the countryside of the Vienne, enjoy the calm of the hamlet of La Manière, close to the small village of Lizant. Ideally located for a restful stay in the countryside in the south of Vienne, the gite is also close to the tourist sites of the department: 15 min from the Abbey of Charroux, 20 min from the Valley of the Monkeys, 20 min from the Cormenier, 1 hour from the Futuroscope... Enjoy this bright house with contemporary decoration for a comfortable vacation. The large enclosed garden and its summer furniture will allow the whole family to enjoy the outdoors.

Make a stop in the small city of character of Charroux in the south of the Vienne. You can stroll through the village and enjoy the remains of the Saint Sauveur abbey. The parking area with sewage disposal and access to drinking water and electricity is quiet and appreciated by the users.