Sports and leisure activities Deux-Sèvres

Thai Chi Chuan is a lifelong research practice that allows people to get to know each other better and to welcome others and their environment. It is an art of movement that reveals at its source the Taoist thought as well as the bodily techniques that will give birth to acupuncture, for example. It is also an art of seeking balance both physical and mental, it opens to meditation and relaxation.

The Bears in Niort are not bears that have been tried to reintroduce in the Poitevin Marsh, but the city hockey team! A sport that comes from a far-reaching point of view and which is not yet very democratized today but which nevertheless deserves attention. Our cousins in Quebec swear only through hockey and they are right: The games are impressive but the atmosphere is there. In Niort, children, but also adults can learn to play hockey and integrate a team. Contact the club or visit the website to find out which team and what niche suit you best!

You thought American football only practiced in American movies for teenagers? That only the leader of pom pom girls could be the girlfriend of the soccer team captain? Come and take a look at a Match Match game! Everything is: players protected by their helmet, wide shoulders and violent contact, cheerleaders (this is the real name of the Pom Pom Girls in the United States) but a game with serious and just as strategic rules as our holy football.

A sacred champion in R 2 in 2013-2014, A.S. Niort Basketball is evolving today in R 1! With a shock team like this one, we hope to see it quickly climb up! Meanwhile, new recruits arrive every year in men's teams as well as women. Training takes place all week, Monday to Saturday morning and everyone will find their place. Beginners, seasoned, small, medium or large. Here, good humour, fair play and above all love of this collective sport animate the club.

For all lovers of sliding, roller roller is a fantastic club to practice or start. Adults will appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and all the meetings and events they can take part in. Children can register as early as 6 years. They will find out how to balance and skate without hurting. Children's training takes place on Saturday afternoon. During this time of relaxation and learning, they will learn to slow down, skate forward and back and make jumps.

Roller racing isn't just the roulettes of the 90 s, but it's also a very complete sport and it offers very pleasant slides. At Roller Club Niortais, several disciplines are offered to you: skating, hiking (for adults), race, freestyle and hockey for adults and also for children. Derby are also organized and you will have the opportunity to meet many people with the same passion as you in a cool atmosphere.

One of the flagship clubs of the Deux-Sèvres, Hope Pétanquaise participates in numerous meetings and competitions always in the right mood. It must be said that Champdeniers has been boules to allow his team to reach the summits! Bowls classes are offered on Wednesday evening to small and large, younger and old alike. And then it's a great way to get your friends to the next aperitif before you start the barbecue!

This is the game of the summer, the game of the summer, that of the aperitif with the friends, it smells like straw hats and barbecue, and we almost forget that it's a sport. The 79 committee is a reference in the region for organising competitions and training. Whether it's for the bowls or for the Provençal game, the site is full of all the necessary information, especially the regulations of each game, because the techniques and characteristics are more numerous than we imagine, it is not just a question of taking the Marseille accent by launching its ball!

On more than 250 hectares of wood, in a landscape made of fir trees, strawberries, plains and valleys, the estate offers hunting enthusiasts an ideal base for hunting small game. Many species: heavenly pheasant, from Marsay, crooked U.S, Polish crooked, Chinese pheasant, dark pheasant, red perdreau and perdreau gray all year long and have only to be found. A hunting lodge is also available for warm lunches and in good mood. Hunting in Deux-Sèvres also offers hunting trips in Spain, find out!

Theresa and Pierre are booksellers. But Theresa is also a seamstress, she is even tailor-made to be precise. This profession, which has almost no representatives in France, now counts the bookseller who, in the bottom of his armchair (the name of the bookshop) proposes sewing courses. After studying psychology and then becoming a bookseller, Theresa returned to his first love: sewing. It is formed to know everything, the creation of the expert handling of the sewing machine. And she is happy to share her passion today with those who love to do things with their ten fingers.

A few years ago, sewing was a necessity; Don't buy a new trousers as soon as there was a small hole! We recousait, we rapiéçait and for the most creative, we tricotait and created clothes. Who doesn't have a wool sweater knitted by her grandma in his closet? Now, we consume clothes like food, yet knowing how to use a sewing machine is far from useless and the basics get fast. Why not do it? You will be surprised at everything you can learn to do in a little time!

Not very well established in France, baseball is a collective sport that deserves a detour. With our friends in the Atlantic, our practice is becoming increasingly democratic thanks to clubs such as the Garocheurs. In an electrifying and fair atmosphere, each game is a pure moment of happiness! The club regularly plays against teams in the region and the site provides full information on national and international competitions. If you want to discover this sport, don't hesitate to contact us!

The location allows you to welcome skate, roller and BMX. On a surface of 600 m ² with a concrete coating, this skate offers six modules: a ramp, a funbox with a jump table surmounted by a 3/3 (ledge) trunk, a hip in inclined plane, two sub boxes, rails and curbs on the descent. In 2005, some changes made it possible to improve the safety of used users. Admission is free.

Located behind the swimming pool, this versatile skate is very pleasant. Different modules are arranged on the 900 m ² of land. The room is open to the skates, BMX and rollers. For spectators or those who want to take a break, covered galleries have been set up. There is also a water point for drinking or filling your bottles. The infrastructure includes a mini ramp, a quarter in hip, an inclined plane launcher, jumping tables, an inclined plane - table - inclined plane, two walls and a pallet to weeling. The layout allows interesting combinations but the beginners may be impresionnés by the imposing modules character.

With a larger surface of 600 m ², this skate park in the heart of the city has five modules: a jump table with half-pyramid and a lateral curve, a small jump table with a lateral bridge and two planar planes. The modules are metal and the entry is free. It's a good playground before you get to the étrier or get involved in the étrier.

The association offers several disciplines such as hockey, acrobatics, adult recreation, art, baby roller and skating school. Complete discipline at the physical level, it also allows to work its balance and concentration. The atmosphere is a good child and you will soon be taken into the game, the sensations will surely remind some times of the hours spent making skating a little. To register, consider providing a medical certificate indicating that you are fit for roller, two identity photos (if you wish to register at the skating school) and 58 euros for the license.

The image of the hunters has not changed much for many years, yet whether they like them or not, they have a major role to play in preserving our wilderness. Although it seems contradictory, they are working to protect the environment. On the federation site, everything is explained and developed: educational activities with children, but also awareness of the natural space of hunters. It is also the federation that will have to address its hunting license.

Have you always wanted to fly? The plane annoys you? It seems that parachute jumping is precisely what you need! On the other hand, the Earth's attraction being what it is, don't expect to see you grow wings, the landing is the inevitable end of this experience... But what an experience! Strong sensations, grandiose landscapes, a taste of coming back... However, certain conditions are necessary to be able to send you to the air: be at least 15 years old (or have written authorization from your parents for minors), have a medical certificate from your doctor and do not weigh more than 90kg (if this is the case, go on a small diet!) and plan your half-day. It should be noted that the centre is approved by the federation. Good fall!

It is a unique and loind experience of being natural for a human being: jump at 4000 m altitude! This is certainly why we feel a big rise in adrenaline. If fear and exitation are mixed, you will not run any risk. In the hands of the monitor, which is not at its first jump, you can enjoy this unique moment. The program 50 seconds of free fall and then a gentle descent by parachute. Once the feet on earth, we have only one idea in mind… jump again!

Located to the north of the town of Bressuire, this 18-hole course takes advantage of its surroundings to create a veritable green lung. Less than a kilometer from the town center, Yves Bureau designed each hole. The result is a demanding, technical and physical course. This 5,828 m Par 72 undulating course, with its many natural traps, is a pleasant and interesting course for beginners and more experienced players alike. In either case, scoring will be no easy task.

Starting from the old Thouars abattoir, there are 2 routes: upstream to the chaussée du Château (2.5 km); downstream to the Ursulines meadow (1.2 km). Sailing on the wild, lush Thouet river offers a different view of the Deux-Sèvres, a blend of nature and heritage. A visit to the Château des Ducs de la Trémoïlle is a must! Canoes, kayaks, paddles and pedal boats are available for hire, solo or with the family. Jackets, paddles and watertight canisters are supplied. Please note that boat reservations are mandatory. Ahoy!

Very active in their discipline, the aeromodelling clubs of Thouars and Deux-Sévriens have been organizing a world cup competition on the Noisé plain for almost 50 years: the free-flight stage of the French qualifying championships. More recently, these enthusiasts have also been getting together for the Belgian championship. These two fun-filled events will have your feet on the ground and your head in the clouds. And for the kids: let the junior champions impress you.

The Gâtinéo aquatic center includes four pools, adapted to everyone's activities: the sports pool, the leisure pool, the paddling pool and the giant slide's reception pool. From prenatal gymnastics to various aquagym techniques and swimming lessons, Gâtinéo offers a dozen aquatic activities. These activities are practiced under the responsibility of the lifeguards of the Community of Communes of Parthenay Gatine. Adapted to each public, many beaches are available around the pools.

A cool, sporty address offering a wide range of family activities around its lake. Playgrounds, fitness trails, picnics, fishing and mountain bike trails are available all year round. In season, you can hire canoes, kayaks, paddles, pedal boats, mountain bikes, tree climbing, inflatables and archery. Climbing is also available in Aigonnay and Thorigné, at the former Cinq Coux quarry (15 min. by bike).

How about discovering the art of beading with a blowtorch? Jewelry designer Dominique Roy welcomes you to her workshop to learn how to make glass beads, an art form that is part of humanity's Intangible Cultural Heritage. With her, you'll transform Effetre de Murano glass rods into 5 or 10 beads that you can assemble at home to create your own jewelry. A magical, colorful experience. Dominique's jewels can also be found in a number of designer boutiques in the département.

A merry band, this association for the defense and protection of nature! In the land of the European otter and the grey heron, a host of guided outings are organized in Natura 2000 protected areas. Observe the microscopic world that surrounds us! You can also hire a light boat, on your own or with a guide, to paddle down the tranquil Argenton river. Nature's treasures and heritage are yours to discover.

Numerous sporting activities at the Cherveux lake. Wood Wakepark rents out paddles and houses THE waterski lift of the 79. Beginners and experts alike can wakeboard from the pontoon, pulled by a cable.

Take to the heights with the accrobranche courses at Accros de Cherveux. Extra the 180 m zip line or those that fly over the lake!

Another choice: a laser game in the middle of the forest on a 2,000 m² plot, accessible from age 7.

Two hiking loops of about 3 hours and a mountain bike circuit of 27 to 33 km, all three marked. Departures from the Monacalis hall. You will explore the remains of the opulent vineyards of yesteryear, devastated by phylloxera at the end of the 19th century: remaining plots of land, old canteens, where the winegrowers used to eat and store their tools, and a windmill. The itinerary "In the footsteps of the Négrette" leads you to this rare grape variety, to a plantation of truffle oaks and to a superb panorama of the Courance valley, with Niort in the background.

Several circuits to be done on foot, by bike or on horseback of at least 10 km are proposed between the communes of Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud (departures at the place de la Mairie) and Arçais via Damvix (in Vendée). You will discover the wild marsh by exploring its conches and its small heritage, including the charming little port of Montfaucon. Poplar groves and wild plants (meadowsweet, comfrey, valerian, iris), decorate the walks.

Departure is from Place des Poulies in Saint-Loup-Lamairé. By pedal boat or canoe, it's an opportunity to discover the Gâtine in a different way, as seen from the lovely Thouet. It's a charming and refreshing way to enjoy the region's heritage, including a magnificent panorama of the Château de Saint-Loup. Bookings can be made at the tourist office. 6 canoes (3 pers.), 4 pedal boats (5 pers.) and 3 rosalies (3-4 pers.). Low prices for great experiences !

Dedicated to school activities, the Lidon is open to the public for 6 weeks in summer. Access to the initiation basin and the wild marsh is free. Kayaks and canoes can be rented directly from the site at low cost for up to 3 hours (rates according to family income). There are also signposted trails to help you discover the local flora and fauna. Information on niortagglo.fr, base nautique du Lidon.

Imagine the Marais Poitevin from the air - what a marvel! You fly over the wet and dry marshes between land and sea. We'll take you to the take-off site, introduce you to the assembly of the hot-air balloon (made in France); from there, you'll enjoy a breathtaking 1-hour aerial tour, during which we'll tell you all about piloting and weather conditions. Prices increase on weekends, but are reduced according to the number of budding aeronauts. Private gondolas available (max. 2 people).

Walk through the history of Cerize, which begins in the Neolithic period. You start at the castle of La Roche (3 ears of corn gite), its superb park and its pond. You will then discover the architectural and natural heritage of the surroundings: Saint-Pierre church and its tympanums decorated with ceramics (19th century); Saint-Père washhouse; Puy Genest and the Queen of the Meadows trail, a wetland ecosystem; Le Plessis, an ancient fortified village (9th century), the Celtic educational trail, Les Bourrelières and an observation platform. You will end up at the pretty Vannelière pond (fishing allowed).

You will tour Tourtenay and its surroundings in search of beautiful views of the vineyards. Among the historical sites you will cross: the church of Tourtenay, founded by the evangelizing monk Fort, from Saint-Jouin-de-Marnes; the hamlet of Le Moulin, famous for its resistance acts in 1941 - 16 radio transmitters were parachuted there; the Petit-Puy and the church of Saint-Martin, built on the edge of an old Compostela path at 110 m altitude.

You will explore the different historical districts of Parthenay starting from the castle (13th century), the central monument of the district called the Citadel. You will discover the Chemin du Rosaire, and its pretty eponymous chapel, which links the suburbs of Saint-Paul, the tanners' quarter, on the banks of the Thouet, and Saint-Jacques. The view is amazing! You cross the Prée, admire the remains of the ramparts, including the Trilobate tower, an original specimen both for its considerable dimensions (27x28 m) and its cloverleaf shape. You end up at the Saint-Jacques gate.

You walk around the Soleil-Levant lake and the Touche-Poupard dam along a steep path laid out in a bed of old schist and milky quartz. Fauna and flora are astonishing here: as you reach the vanished village of La Folie, and follow the GR 364, you will observe the great crested grebe, come across luxuriant vegetation in spring, columbines, stellar and wood hyacinths. It will be possible to take a break at the hikers' stop.

The suzerain castle of Cherveux is surrounded by vassal residences of beautiful allure. You will discover them all along this loop: the Seneuil dwelling, the Carte castle, the Roche-Cantin estate, the Valière fortress or the Francs dwelling, built around the 15th century. The route is punctuated by many other curiosities, beyond the romantic panorama, hundred-year-old chestnut trees, the Ramées path (former route of the Compostelle pilgrims), the Plan pump (1880) and the Cherveux sundial (1836). The walk is enchanting!

Lovers of bicycle touring will be delighted with this proposal! You will escape to the Airvaudais in search of its architectural heritage and panoramas. The loop includes 9 stops including Borcq-sur-Airvault, Marnes, Saint-Jouin-de-Marnes and its grandiose 11th century abbey church, Saint-Généroux. You will alternate atmospheres and landscapes: valleys of the Thouet, the Dive, the Cendronne, plains or the fabulous Soulièvres meadow, with its hundred-year-old cedars...

Natur'all, a local association specializing in trekking, expeditions in the Far North and adventure in the broadest sense, offers a bushcraft course. You'll learn tips and tricks for survival with a minimum of equipment: setting up a teepee, carving wood with a knife, lighting a fire with tinder and making wooden objects. Julien will introduce you to the art of using the natural resources around you. Two options are available: a guided tour of the Marais with tasting, or an introduction to bushcraft.

A pleasant walk along the Boutonne valley, where you will discover here and there, alongside the hedges, mills, wash houses, abandoned arms and reaches. You walk in search of various curiosities: the Bassée aux chats, legendary meeting place of these males on Mardi Gras, the roadman's shelter (1840), the path of the Romans, ancient Roman road which linked Saintes to Poitiers. Be careful when crossing the D950. This loop joins the GR 655 pilgrimage route.

The largest accrobranche park in 79 welcomed 17,700 climbers in 2023! Your playground: 4 ha of forest studded with hundred-year-old oaks, 16 courses from 1 to 16 m high (including 1 dedicated to the little ones), 21 zip lines including the 210 m mega... And also: 154 games, free nature trail, treasure hunt (via your smartphone), laser game, mini golf, hanging nets. Picnic and snack areas. A la carte program or pass including, in addition to the course, 1 or 2 activities.

Several take-offs in Vendée and Deux-Sèvres. Damien and Thomas Merceron, your aeronaut pilots and 2014 French champions, take you into the air at dawn or dusk. If the flight between the two departments lasts 1 hour (what an enchantment!), plan for half a day: in addition to the ^7th sky, you'll discover the main stages of balloon travel, from inflation to folding the envelope. Reservations are essential, and can be made at the tourist information office. Please note that times and appointments are subject to weather conditions.

You'll enjoy a lush green setting and a host of facilities, including picnic tables, playgrounds and signposted footpaths. Swimming is supervised all summer long, and you can take advantage of the activities (beach handball, etc.) and go boating: paddles, canoes and pedal boats are available for hire. You can pitch your tent at Flower Camping Côté Lac (3 stars). The Côté Plage bar-snack-restaurant welcomes you all year round.

How about discovering the Marais, lulled by the footsteps of horses? Managed by the Equi'Sèvres association, La Maison du Cheval specializes in carriage driving and offers 1-hour carriage rides guided by a gamekeeper who will answer all your questions. In addition to all the annual activities of an equestrian center (lessons, competitions), La Maison du Cheval offers 1-hour horse or pony rides for all levels, all year round. It's also possible to enjoy 2 hours of introductory or advanced riding lessons in the riding school.

It's a world of its own that you'll discover here, starting almost crawling and continuing upright. In this subterranean world, as you wander through the galleries and majestic chambers, you'll discover its incredible river, its history and a few pitfalls, depending on your level. You'll need to be accompanied by a local caving club if you're not an FFS member: the route varies in length (from 1 km) and, for the more adventurous, includes a 30 m abseil in total darkness. Looking for thrills and adventure? Go for it!

A lake dedicated to fishing created by the local association in the 1990s. It is now located near the aquatic centre of Lezay and the campsite. Equipped with a refreshment bar. Tickets (from half a day to the whole season) can be bought on the spot or at the DIY store on the Place du Champ-de-Foire. There are many fishing spots in the canton. Notice to river lovers: also go to La Dive. To find out more about fishing in Deux-Sèvres, visit the website of the departmental federation www.peche-en-deux-sevres.com

Ménigoute, nestled in a well-preserved natural setting, has two outdoor itineraries: you can download the routes on the town's website, under the headings Discover/Tourist Heritage). The 25.2 km mountain bike loop takes you through Fomperron and its fountains, Bois-Pouvreau and the centre of Ménigoute. The 4.5 km long walk (about 2 hours, marked in blue) will make you appreciate the calm, the scenery, the fauna and flora of Gâtine.

A very nice walk with the rhythm of the horses and the local heritage, 18th century dovecotes, dwellings, family cemeteries. Starting from the Roman bridge at the confluence of the Chambon and Ligueure rivers, you will pass through the typical villages of Puy Belin or Chamiers, Paunay, Saivres, where you will see the castles of Isabeau de Verrières (her recumbent statue is in the church) and Herbaudière (privately owned), and Augé and its Renaissance houses. You will also pass by the arboretum of Azay-le-Brûlé.

Since the 15th century, a terrifying monster has been living inside the royal abbey. Don't be fooled by its repulsive appearance, because behind this ferocity lies a prince charming: help it regain its human form. "The Beast seeks his Beauty" is the Tèrra Aventura geocaching trail in Celles-sur-Belle. A series of riddles will lead you to the famous cache and its mystery word: to play with your family, download the smartphone application!

You'll have a blast on the 1,280 m FFSA-approved track, accessible from age 7 and for all driving levels. Training courses, races, sport sensation packages, there's something for everyone. The Val d'Argenton circuit, originally dedicated to racing, has seen some of the greatest champions of our time, such as Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen. It continues to host countless professional races (program on the website). Kart sales and maintenance on site.