Want to relax and unwind during your holiday in France? Then go hiking in Poitou-Charentes. The rhythm of your steps, the light filtering through the trees, the soft rustling of leaves – walking slows down the pace of the day and opens up your senses. In France, where nature, culture and gastronomy blend, walking takes on an extra dimension: it is not just exercise, but an experience.
The Poitou-Charentes region in western France is one of the most beautiful regions for hikinh. You will find hills covered with vineyards, forests full of chestnut trees, tranquil rivers and a long coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. According to the official tourism site of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, this is one of the most varied hiking regions in France, with thousands of kilometres of well-maintained trails.
Whether you are staying in a holiday home in the Poitou-Charentes, at one of the holiday parks in Les Forges, or in a luxury villa with swimming pool in the Poitou-Charentes, nature is open to you everywhere. From Les Forges you can drive to forests, vineyards or the coast in less than an hour – the perfect balance between peace, space and adventure and an ideal place for your holiday in the Poitou-Charentes.
In the middle of green hills and small lakes lies Les Forges, a place where silence is self-evident. Three of FranceComfort’s most beautiful parks are located here: Domaine Les Forges, L’Aveneau – Vieille Vigne and Bourg Est – Vigelière.
The days often start quietly. The morning mist still hangs over the trees as you put on your walking shoes and walk past the golf course or through the woods. The air is fresh, the birds are singing and the light changes every moment.
After the walk, breakfast awaits you on the terrace, perhaps a dip in the pool, and then a day full of new routes await you. You can enjoy all of this during your stay in one of FranceComfort's holiday homes.
For couples or groups of friends, hiking in this region is pure relaxation. The routes around Cognac, Saintes or Angoulême will take you along vineyards and riverbanks where there is hardly any traffic. You can only hear the wind and the birds singing.
At noon, you can enjoy lunch in a village square with chèvre chaud salad and a glass of Pineau des Charentes. The charm of the region lies in its simplicity: silence, time and space to be together.
If you are staying in a luxury villa in the Poitou-Charentes, you can return to your own terrace and private swimming pool after your walk. As the sun slowly sets, you can share stories about your day.
"We started each morning with a short walk in the area.
The smell of pines and the view over the lake immediately gave that holiday feeling."
Families will also find hikes suitable for all ages. Many paths are flat, easily accessible and offer a lot of variety along the way: streams, forests, farms with animals and shady spots for picnics.
Around the Marais Poitevin, the 'Green Venice' of France, there are short walking routes along canals where children can follow dragonflies or watch fishermen work. In the woods near Les Forges you will find routes with wooden bridges and small lakes – adventurous, but never too difficult.
“Our children often wanted to go for walks. They looked for frogs, threw sticks into the stream and led the way. It was a lovely family holiday.”
Afterwards, you will return to your holiday park in the Poitou-Charentes, take a dip in the pool and eat outside, while the sky slowly turns pink.
In France, hiking is never separate from food. The Poitou-Charentes region is famous for its goat cheese, honey, seafood and, of course, cognac.
During a walk, you can visit a local market, have a picnic with regional products or have lunch in a village restaurant.
In the coastal region, oysters and mussels are not to be missed. Inland, you will find farms selling cheese or jam. It is walking with a culinary undertone.
The strength of this region is the variety of the environment. In one day you can go from forest to wine hill and from swamp to sea. The Atlantic coast brings dunes and pine forests, while the inland slopes in soft shades of green and gold.
Deer and squirrels live in the woods; birds of prey circle above the vineyards. Egret and storks breed in the Marais Poitevin. The silence of the morning, the singing of birds – it is tranquillity in motion.
"During a walk near Saint-Savin, we saw a kingfisher. A blue flash over the water, and then we knew: this is why we go hiking."
The Poitou-Charentes has a mild maritime climate with many hours of sunshine.
This climate makes hiking here attractive all year round. The Poitou-Charentes is a region where sporting activities are plentiful.
You will find something for every type of hiker:
If you want to combine cycling or boating, France Vélo Tourisme provides information about green routes (voies vertes) that are also partly accessible by foot.
Tip: Book your holiday during the period when there are public holidays in France or during the National holiday on the 14th of July. Fun events and markets are organized on these days.
The signage is excellent. Most of the trails are marked with yellow or white-red stripes (GR routes). You can plan your hikes on the official hiking maps of IGN France or via the French hiking app Visorando, where hundreds of routes with elevation profiles are available.
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection and plenty of water. Picnic areas and benches with views can be found everywhere.
Places like Coulon, Saintes, Chef-Boutonne and Verteuil-sur-Charente offer cafés and markets where you can sample local produce – perfect for a lunch break or end-of-the-day drink.
From the holiday parks in Les Forges, you can discover a different landscape every day. Within half an hour you can walk through forests and meadows; a little further on, vineyards, rivers and even the Atlantic coast await.
Length: 7 km Difficulty: easy
This walk near Les Forges is ideal for a relaxing morning. The path winds through oak woods, past clearings where the early morning sunlight filters through the trees. You hear birds singing, smell the damp earth and feel the day slowly coming to life.
Halfway there is a small pond with picnic benches. Many hikers enjoy their breakfast here or read in silence. This is the perfect place to completely unwind.
Length: 9 km Difficulty: easy-medium
Around the Lac du Cébron, a bird-rich lake near Saint-Loup-Lamairé, there is a well-maintained path with a view over the still water. The banks are a refuge for herons, ducks and sometimes even kingfishers.
The path is flat and ideal for families. Bring binoculars and pause at a wooden viewing platform. On the south side, you will find picnic tables under chestnut trees – perfect for a moment of rest with fresh croissants.
Length: 10 km Difficulty: medium
The medieval town of Parthenay is one of the best preserved towns in the region. The walk starts in the old town, where you walk on cobblestones and pass stone city gates. Then the path descends to the Thouet River, where the water gently laps along the bank.
You walk partly on an old pilgrim path. The route combines culture and nature in an almost perfect way.
"We started at the city walls of Parthenay and ended with coffee by the river. The mix of history and tranquillity was beautiful."
Length: 11 km Difficulty: medium
The surroundings of Vasles are a landscape full of gentle hills, apple trees and meadows with old stone walls. In spring everything turns fresh green, in summer gold.
You will pass small villages and hamlets. On hot days, you can smell the grass and hear the buzzing of bees. The route ends in Vasles, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink in the village café.
Length: 7 km Difficulty: easy
The Abbey of Saint-Savin with its 11th century frescoes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walk starts from the village and follows the path along the Gartempe river. Along the way, you will pass flowery meadows and old stone bridges.
The pace is naturally slow here; The silence of the monastery seems to lay over the entire valley. Afterwards, it is wonderful to have lunch on a terrace by the water.
Length: 13 km Difficulty: medium
A rural route through the southern part of the Deux-Sèvres. You will wander between grain fields, over wooden bridges and past old mill ruins.
In spring, wildflowers bloom here in all colours. Chef-Boutonne is a charming town with a weekly market. You can buy local products along the way to take with you to your holiday home.
"We went out early and saw deer between the trees. A wonderful start to the day."
Length: 9 km Difficulty: easy
Verteuil-sur-Charente is a village that seems to come straight out of a postcard. The castle is reflected in the river, while you stroll along paths past mills and meadows.
It is a route for those seeking peace and quiet: rippling water, the smell of flowers and the occasional sound of a church bell in the distance. In the village you will find a small bakery and a restaurant on the water – ideal for a stopover.
Length: 12 km Difficulty: medium
In the rolling hills around Cognac, there is a path that brings French wine culture to life. You will walk past vineyards, distilleries and old stone farmhouses.
In late summer, there is a scent of ripe grapes and earth in the air. You can stop at a vineyard for a tasting or simply take a break and enjoy the view of the rolling hills.
Length: 11 km Difficulty: medium
A spectacular path runs along the white chalk cliffs of the Gironde, offering views of the ocean. You can hear the rustling of the wind and the breaking of the waves far below you.
The route passes hermit caves and viewpoints. Halfway along the route, there is a small beach where you can swim or have a picnic. The coastal air and the views make this a walk you will not soon forget.
Length: 10 km Difficulty: easy-medium
This walk near La Palmyre combines the best of both worlds: the smell of pine and the sound of the ocean. You start at the lighthouse Phare de la Coubre, climb it for a panoramic view, and then walk between forest and dunes.
The air here is permeated with resin and salt. At the end of the route, the beach awaits – perfect for a swim or a moment of silence.
| Distance | Routes |
| ≤ 30 min | Bois de l’Hermitain • Lac du Cébron |
| 30–60 min | Parthenay • Vasles • Saint-Savin • Chef-Boutonne |
| ≥ 1 uur | Verteuil • Cognac • Meschers • La Coubre |
Have you acquired a taste for it? FranceComfort also offers wonderful hiking opportunities in other regions of France. In the Dordogne, you will walk between castles, rivers and vineyards, while in Provence you will walk through lavender fields and medieval villages. In the French Alps you climb the mountains.
1. What are the most beautiful hiking trails in Poitou-Charentes?
We recommend the Bois de l'Hermitain, Lac du Cébron, Saint-Savin and Verteuil-sur-Charente, all easily accessible from the holiday parks in Les Forges.
2. When is the best time to hike in Poitou-Charentes?
Spring and autumn are ideal: mild weather, blooming nature and quiet hiking trails. Summer is also a great time to go hiking, but not when the temperature is too high.
3. Which hikes are suitable for families with children?
The Marais Poitevin, Lac du Cébron and Verteuil-sur-Charente have flat, safe paths with shade and picnic areas.
4. What else is there to do in the area?
You can go from Les Forges for a day to Futuroscope, the water park Aquascope or the theme park Puy du Fou.
5. Where to eat along the way?
Along many routes you will find village bistros and markets with local products. Try goat's cheese, honey and Pineau des Charentes, or take a picnic with you for the journey.
After a day of walking, you return to your park. The sun is setting, the light turns golden, the water in the pool glistens. At Domaine Les Forges, L'Aveneau – Vieille Vigne or Bourg Est – Vigelière, you will find the peace and quiet that suits hiking.
“After every walk, our children went for a swim and we enjoyed a glass of wine on the terrace. That is the real France.”
Book your stay with FranceComfort now and experience how hiking and coming home go hand in hand in Poitou-Charentes.
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