Sports activities in Poitou-Charentes

Mountain biking through forests and valleys

The forests near Secondigny and Melle are popular with mountain bikers. Narrow paths wind between pines, beeches and open fields.
The air smells of resin, and when you stand still, all you can hear is the buzzing of insects. Groups of friends often head out for a day of sports in Poitou-Charentes. After a day of exertion, it's wonderful to relax by the pool at FranceComfort – Domaine les Forges or FranceComfort – Aveneau-Vieille Vigne.

Play golf at Les Forges

For those who love precision and tranquillity, the Les Forges golf course is an excellent choice. This 27-hole golf course is set in rolling countryside with ponds, oak trees and wide fairways. Several villas have a view of the golf course. The site is well maintained and suitable for both novice and experienced players. Clinics are provided for children during the holidays in the summer months. Due to the mild climate, you can play golf in the sun here from April to October. Other beautiful courses are located near to Poitiers and Niort.

Horseback riding through nature

The Poitou-Charentes region has lots of bridle paths. In Saint-Maixent-l'École and Niort, you can book guided tours along rivers, through forests and open meadows. Experienced riders can go on day trips, while children often opt for short pony rides. The area is very suitable for a horseback ride: you will ride through quiet landscapes and forests while the guide informs you about the region.

Climbing forests and via ferrata

Climbing forests (accrobranche) are popular with families with children.
In Poitiers, Parthenay and Niort you can visit parks with rope bridges, nets and ziplines. The height differences create excitement, but everything is well secured. For more of a challenge, head to L'Isle-Jourdain, where a via ferrata runs along the rocks above the Vienne River.
The view over the valley is impressive. You can read more about this on Vienne tourist office.

Kayaking and canoeing on rivers

The region is criss-crossed by the Charente, Vienne and Sèvre Niortaise – gentle rivers that are ideal for canoeing or kayaking.
Along the banks are small villages with jetties and picnic areas. A trip through the Marais Poitevin marshland – also known as “Green Venice” – is highly recommended. The waterways meander between willows and reeds, while dragonflies dance above the water.
You can find out more about this nature reserve on parc-marais-poitevin.fr.

Water sports on lakes

The Poitou-Charentes has several lakes where you can sail, paddle or swim. The Lac de Saint-Cyr near Poitiers offers plenty of possibilities: water skiing, windsurfing, sailing or simply relaxing on the beach. The Lac du Lambon or Lac du Cébron is popular with families – quieter, with canoe and pedal boat hire. In summer, there are short courses for beginners, allowing you to safely familiarise yourself with various water sports.

Archery and outdoor fun

At outdoor centres in Poitiers and Niort, you can take part in archery, paintball or laser games. These are fun outdoor group activities, enjoyable with family or friends. Afterwards, you can enjoy a drink on the terrace of your villa in France. At the end of the day, fire up the barbecue and enjoy the French summer evening with a glass of wine. 

Trail running in nature

In the rolling hills of the Poitou-Charentes there are many beautiful nature reserves. These nature reserves are often ideal for trail running. Around Parthenay and Saint-Savin, with its famous abbey, there are paths that run through forests and along rivers. Early in the morning, when the air is cool and the light is soft, these routes are wonderful for running. Many guests of FranceComfort start their day with a short run and then have breakfast on the terrace of their villa.

 The most beautiful routes per activity

• Hiking: Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet (10 km, slightly hilly)
• Cycling: Thouars – Parthenay via La Vélo Francette (35 km)
• Mountain biking: Secondigny – Azay-sur-Thouet
• Canoeing: Coulon – Arçais in the Marais Poitevin (8 km)
• Trail run: around Saint-Savin along the river

These routes are all within a two-hour drive of the FranceComfort holiday parks.

The seasons of the Poitou-Charentes

Each season has its own charm.

• In spring, everything is fresh and green, ideal for walking, cycling or visiting touristic villages in the Poitou-Charentes.
• The Summer invites you to water sports and long days outdoors. Water parks such as O'Gliss are also popular.
• In the autumn, the forests turn gold and it is perfect for golf or horseback riding.

The climate is mild, with plenty of sunshine and mild winters – ideal for an active holiday outside the high season.

Atmosphere and accommodation at FranceComfort

After a day full of activities, it is wonderful to come home to FranceComfort. The holiday parks – Domaine les Forges, Bourg Est-Vigelière and Aveneau-Vieille Vigne – offer spacious villas with swimming pools, gardens and terraces where you can relax after a day of exertion.

"The silence in the evening, the smell of lavender, the view over the hills – this is France at its best."

FranceComfort also has luxury villas and beautiful holiday parks in other regions of France. Get inspired for a holiday in the Dordogne, a holiday in the Languedoc or a holiday in Provence.

4×4 Tours – Adventure with Comfort

Would you like to explore the countryside without driving yourself? During a 4×4 tour, a guide will drive you along country lanes, through streams and forests. Along the way, he will tell you about French farm life and show you hidden places where hardly any tourists come. It is a relaxing way to discover the diversity of the region.

Circuit driving on the Val de Vienne

About an hour and a half away is the Circuit du Val de Vienne, a paradise for motorsport enthusiasts. Here you can get behind the wheel of a sports car yourself or take part in an instruction day on the circuit. The adrenaline, the sound of the engines, the smell of rubber – it's pure excitement. It's also impressive as a spectator. For current events, visit charente-maritime.fr.

Paragliding above Saint-Savin

In Saint-Savin and L'Isle-Jourdain, you can go paragliding with an instructor. You run a few meters, feel the wind in your wings, and suddenly you’re floating above the landscape. Below you lie valleys, forests and rivers, giving you a feeling of total freedom. The flight usually lasts ten to twenty minutes, but the memory will stay with you for years to come.

Geocaching – actively exploring

Geocaching combines adventure and technology. Using a GPS app, you search for small treasures in forests or villages. Dozens of caches are hidden in the Deux-Sèvres and the Marais Poitevin – fun for young and old alike.
"Being outside together, searching and finding – that’s what makes every walk special.

Yoga and outdoor fitness

Not all sports have to be intensive. In the Parc de Saint-Cyr, yoga sessions are held in summer with a view of the lake. Along the Charente River, you will find outdoor fitness trails with wooden equipment. Many guests of FranceComfort start the day with yoga and end it with a dip in the pool of their luxury villa with pool in France.

Indoor activities in any weather

When the weather is less favourable, the region offers excellent indoor options. In Poitiers, you will find a large sports complex with a climbing hall, ice rink and tennis courts. Niort and Angoulême also have modern halls where you can climb, play squash or badminton. This allows you to stay active, regardless of the season.

If the weather forecast for Poitou-Charentes is not so good, you can always opt for other parts of France. Sports activities are also possible from a holiday home in the Dordogne, an accommodation in the Languedoc or villa in Provence.

Sports activities for families

The Poitou-Charentes is ideal for families with children. Children love climbing in accrobranche parks, canoeing on the Sèvre Niortaise or cycling on La Vélo Francette. Geocaching makes walks extra fun, and at the Lac du Lambon and Lac de Saint-Cyr they can swim and play safely.
After an active day, relax at your holiday home in the Poitou-Charentes on one of the parks of FranceComfort. The holiday homes with air conditioning or holiday homes with charging facilities for electric cars provide extra comfort.

"The children built dams in the stream, we enjoyed the peace and quiet – that's a holiday in France. "

Sustainable and consciously active

More and more visitors are opting for sustainable forms of tourism. Cycling, hiking and canoeing are eco-friendly activities that are a perfect fit for the Poitou-Charentes. Local organizations work together with nature parks to maintain the balance between tourism and nature. By traveling consciously, you contribute to the preservation of this beautiful area.