Sports and leisure activities Poitou-Charentes

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.

You can stroll along the 4 wash houses of Saint-Georges-de-Rex, starting with the one of the Panification (behind the church of Saint-Georges, in the eponymous street), with its polygonal open-air basin. Its washerwomen's sidewalk is topped by a traditional market garden roof (poplar rafters, reed roof and canal tiles). The Reverend, Grande-Fontaine and Richebert laundries follow. Rectangular in shape and fed by a stream, it is accompanied by a small hold, built to allow cattle to drink.

You walk through the land of the Clochard apple. You will discover the town of Champdeniers, cross the Egray valley, a tributary of the Sèvre, then enter the Arpentérault wood (private, in La Chapelle-Bâton). You stop at Verruyes (laze on the pretty beach of its pond) to finish at the golf course of Mazières. Other routes are available on www.champdeniers.fr. It will also be possible to reach Parthenay via the GR 36, or the section of the Vélofrancette.

The commune of Bressuire is equipped with 3 greenways, accessible to all. The^1st Parthenay-Bressuire route, 30 km long, has been laid out on the old railway line: Bois du Theil, Fénery station, granite chaos, Château de la Chenullière and the Chanteloup viaduct enhance the ride. The^2nd takes you past Chapelle-Saint-Laurent. Finally, the 23 km Bressuire-Moutiers-sous-Chantemerle route now extends into the Vendée (+5 km). It links up with other cycle paths, the Argenton Valley cycle route and the Vélo Francette.

The loop takes you to L'Absie's points of interest: Notre-Dame abbey church, Bois des Gâts and the Seguin chapel, destroyed during the Revolution and rebuilt in 1874. One of its stained glass windows alludes to the Vendée wars, a theme rarely evoked in Deux-Sèvres. From here, a quick detour takes you to the Chirons garden and the Branlant rock, a magnificent granite chaos (1.5 km round trip). You finish with the Abiès garden (PRM accessible), with its 70 species of resinous trees.

It's up to you to brave the Valley of Legends in the trees, from the top of the zip lines, almost 15 metres high! Brand new in Ligugé, this park offers a hundred games spread over nine courses. If you hear a huge scream, don't be afraid, it might be the friends of the Little Wise Man who are testing the Tarzan jump. Nothing serious, just a real moment of happiness and adrenaline in the middle of nature. Toddler, yellow, green and blue courses are designed so that you can have fun with your children. Clic-It system lanyards, a continuous lifeline system, are available for them. Back to childhood guaranteed!

Six different courses, 10 km to 18 kilometres long, allow the entire country to survey. Some routes cross the communal area of Givray - 150 hectares of which 110 are wooded - bathed in the east by the Boivre.

Station Sports Nature is the perfect place for a day out with family and friends in summer. Just imagine! You're at the foot of the medieval city, on the edge of the Grand Parc forest, but also on the banks of the Vonne river. It's an exceptional natural setting for relaxation and leisure activities such as swimming, fishing, mini-golf, pétanque, volleyball, table tennis, children's games, cycling, hiking or canoeing. In addition to picnic tables, a snack bar is available.

Children aged 4 to 11 and their parents can come here for a breath of fresh air on a pony. During the school vacations, they can come every day and choose between a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or on the back of one of the eleven ponies of the equestrian club to discover the woods of Saint-Pierre on their valiant steed. No reservations are necessary, and you can sign up on the spot on the day. Rides depart every half-hour.

A vast circuit of karting to take yourself for Prost or Senna... There are some of all sizes, helmets are provided, one does not have more than to accelerate to beat speed records. The reception is friendly, you can drive as well for half an hour as for one hour. Ask for the group rates, from ten people and open all year long, every day, enough to come back very often. Sensations and safety guaranteed on the indoor/outdoor circuits thanks to the supervision and advice of qualified instructors.

Once you arrive at the parking lot, at the level of the water tower, walk down into the valley, between the river Auxance and the cliffs of about 20 meters. The place is perfect for hiking, fishing, mountain biking and... climbing! A hundred of fully equipped routes are available, from 3b to 8a. Do not hesitate to explore the different sectors to find your happiness. The access on foot is easy and will suit the whole family, even the youngest.

Since 1977, the Rabouan family has been sharing its passion for horseback riding with everyone, even the very youngest, from the age of one. The infrastructures are amazing (two covered riding arenas, three careers, two initiation rounds, a natural cross-country course) and the activities are varied (rides in the heart of the forest, dressage, obstacles, pony-games). Natural horseback riding is the main focus. Two gîtes and dormitories are available with home-made organic and local meals.

The Spéléo Club Châtelleraudais is a caving club located in Châtellerault, in the Vienne department. The club welcomes both members and the general public, and offers activities for all levels, supervised by qualified professionals from the École Française de Spéléologie. Club members explore natural and artificial caves, practice rope progression, carry out scientific activities and participate in the protection of the underground environment. The club also organizes introductory caving courses.

If this trip is aimed primarily at ATV enthusiasts, it is also open to fans for a pleasant circuit accessible to all. And good news, you will be entitled to a welcome coffee, a refuelling and a drink.

Rates: between 3 and 5,50 € per person.

Distance: 9 km.

Departure: Course Stage - Route Route. Departure from am to pm.

Difficulty: .

This is a very nice 8 kilometer hike in the undergrowth, with beautiful views of the Clain and Envigne valleys along the trails. All in all, a very pleasant walk for which you will be happy to have put on your sneakers! All you have to do is register early at Place Manderen for this refreshing walk. This hike is also available for mountain bikes and Gravel, with extra markers of course!

At the confluence of the Vonne and Clain rivers, Vivonne's canoeing and kayaking association promises great fun on the water! Rent canoes, kayaks or stand-up paddles from Les Pagayous. All equipment is provided. There are three itineraries to choose from (4, 7 or 13 km). You'll be transported upstream from the base, and then all you have to do is enjoy the ride through nature, at your own pace. A real treat on a hot day! And as an added bonus, take a quiz along the way to learn more about the local fauna, flora and heritage.

In addition to exhibitions and conferences to better understand science in general, the Espace Mendès-France offers multidisciplinary workshops. Engineers, artists, animators or researchers make up a rich program. In addition, the planetarium - with its 4,000 stars - allows everyone to immerse themselves in space for an hour and a half and observe the movements of the stars. After the head in the stars, the little ones are invited to workshops that are practiced with their feet on the ground: create a 3D video game, make bread, recycled paper, investigate through DNA, pilot a drone. There are many themes, but the best way to learn is through experimentation and fun.

This establishment is both an educational farm and a center for horse therapy and equestrian tourism. Passionate about horses and convinced that the horse is an extraordinary mediator, Lise offers children fun and educational workshops in the heart of nature, in the forest. They can also meet the animals of the educational farm or discover the ponies. For teenagers and adults, there are walks in the surrounding area and relaxation sessions.

To discover the Poitevin plain from a new angle, head for Massognes. The Club des Pitroux offers tandem paragliding flights for all ages and levels. Experienced pilots will welcome you for an unforgettable experience and a taste of free flight. Children from 35 kg, adults or people with reduced mobility, everyone can try it out for around 30 minutes of sensations. Once you've been kitted out and briefed, it's off to get your feet in the air and your head in the clouds - all you have to do is enjoy!

The studios offer a nice partition of services to local musicians: registration, rehearsal, training and project support. Technically speaking, the ambitions are largely guaranteed through a recording system, two rehearsal studios (with bass and guitar amps, battery, microphones, sono) and a video room. There is also a computer assisted music studio where you can ask full questions, even the most difficult ones: these are the famous MAO adhesives! A resource centre, information and training centre is also available. Finally, like every place of self-respect, Rasseteau studios have a coffee machine. Morality: an indispensable place that is certainly missing from other cities in the region.

You can leave your horse at the equestrian center and a stable, so that you can get it and eat it, and of course care. A much less classical activity of this institution is livestock: They give you a domesticated horse and used to the methods of human confrontation. This profession is their passion and you will see that it is synonymous with professionalism. They are listening to and care for your horse. Many activities proposed in a friendly team.

Introduction to 4 x 4, baptism of fire, special course, four wheel drive and crossover course! Vincent Remblier welcomes you on an exceptional circuit of nearly 500 hectares of nature. A state-run pilot instructor, Vincent will teach you the ropes of driving. Go behind the wheel for incomparable sensations! Feel the limits of balance! Eprouvez the feeling of freedom! Climbing, climbing, cliffs tracks, you're going to experience an extraordinary experience! Vincent also hosts groups and companies. You will be able to offer your associates a memorable day and strengthen the cohesion of your group. A seminar room with a capacity of 70 people is at your disposal. There is also the possibility of lunch on site. Tried by a baptism in 4 x 4? Want to delight a loved one? Don't hesitate and go on adventure with Three Two A 4 x 4!

To cool off, you can take a stroll near the peaceful waters of the Miosson river, or go for a swim in the pool at the intercommunal aquatic center. The open-air pool is permanently heated to 29°C. There's also a waterslide for younger children, under the watchful eye of lifeguards. For the little ones, the paddling pool is ideal for splashing about. To complete the picture, there's a relaxation area with greenery, games and a terrace with a gazebo. A place to have fun with family and friends!

From April to September, the La Roche-Posay Tourist Office offers nature sports outings to discover the Anglin or Gartempe valleys. A minibus will take you to a place called "Rives" for a 10 km descent accompanied by a qualified guide. Would you like to sail on your own? Opt for the free canoe trips between Vicq-sur-Gartempe and La Roche-Posay (10 km). Another option is an accompanied introduction to stand-up paddling on the Creuse River, with a 5 km course. Meeting point at La Cale in La Roche-Posay.

If you'd like to take to the skies and discover the beauty of the Poitou in a different way, you can take to the skies aboard a microlight. A pilot for 40 years, on the Boeing 777 in particular, Olivier will be delighted to take you aboard one of the two microlights available. For a first flight, forget everything and let yourself be carried away. As an ultralight instructor and teacher, if you're looking for an introduction to flying, Olivier is also your man. The controls are yours, the sensations are yours, and it's time to enjoy the great outdoors and get away from it all!

In this large sports complex of 4,500 m², we strive to delight you and keep you in shape! Located in the Village Loisirs of Fontaine-le-Comte, the Open 5 offers 20 indoor sports from the most traditional to the most surprising: badminton, squash, padel, soccer, archery tag, table tennis, yoga, but also tchoukball, spikeball, or Quidditch, this sport coming from the imaginary universe of J. K. Rowling. You can book your time online on the website and come with colleagues, friends or family to let off steam, laugh and sweat. Birthdays, EVG, teambuiding, the Open 5 even elaborates multi-activity courses for children during school vacations.

Located around the viaduct, on both banks of the Vienne river, Parc de l'Envol welcomes you. On the six progressively more challenging tree-climbing courses, you can move through the trees thanks to over 75 workshops: footbridges, nets, lianas, ladders... Then soar over the Vienne River on two giant zip lines, 202 and 505 metres long (the two longest in the département!). Thrills guaranteed! If you want to do the whole site, you'll need to allow for 3 hours of activity. Electric scooters are also available for hire.

Want to bask in the sun or cool off in the water? On the banks of the Vienne river, the Queaux beach is a real place of relaxation. On site, there are many activities: games for children, fishing, bowling, miniature golf, volleyball, ping-pong, paddling pool... Swimming is supervised in July and August, in the afternoons. In addition to the picnic area, on the restaurant side, there is also the Guinguette du Renard, open every day in summer (2:30-8:30 pm). The beach comes alive with its festival in summer, every Friday evening with a free concert.

This trail, which starts at the Guesnes pond, takes you through the Scévolles forest. Discover the Fondoire hunting lodge, evidence of ^19th-century hunting with hounds, or the little Acadian hut. You'll come close to the cavities of the old Chanteloup quarries. Pass the Beaumont estate, La Briande and the washhouse. Follow part of the Ligne Verte, the old railroad line between Loudun and Châtellerault, then return through the forest.

In fine weather, what could be more pleasant than to enjoy the cool waters of the Creuse? The setting invites you to relax and picnic on the riverbank: majestic trees cast the right shade for lounging. The leisure area offers games for young and old alike (pétanque, canoe hire...). Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the natural riches of the river. Great fun for all!

You want to offer an original gift or live an extraordinary experience? A bungee jump from the viaduct of L'Isle-Jourdain is the assurance of an adrenaline rush in a unique adventure, supervised by a professional team on an exceptional site overlooking the Vienne. The setting is magnificent, the team is very friendly and makes you feel confident. Tied up by your feet, you will only have to count 1 - 2 - 3 and jump! Thrills and memories guaranteed!

The river Clain flows peacefully through Saint-Benoît, a town where life is good. A boat ride on the river is one of the must-do activities of the summer season. Whether as a duo, with family or friends, this walk in the heart of this green setting will bring a feeling of serenity to all. Relaxation and tranquility are on the agenda. The Mon Repos port offers five boats for rent that can accommodate five people.

On the banks of the Charente, Saint-Macoux offers a very pleasant leisure center for a family refreshment. The little ones will be delighted to slide down the water slide and the parents will be reassured to know that they are safe because in July and August, the lifeguards are watching over them. Fishing (except in summer), children's games, zip line, petanque area, the Marais leisure center promises good moments of relaxation. You can eat at the restaurant of the Marais.

The Lathus outdoor center offers a wide range of activities: kayaking, stand-up paddle, archery, mountain biking, caving, rock climbing, Accro'Lathus, tree climbing, circus, horse riding, Disc'Lathus, hiking, Tèrra Aventura, educational farm... In summer, activities (booking required) are organized every day by qualified activity leaders. Numerous accommodation options are available on site for groups. Don't miss the Les Improbables festival on Ascension Day.