Walks in the south of Charente Maritime

This walk is characterised by walking through open fields so don't pick a hot day because it requires some steady climbs in the blazing sun.

Starting point : Chez Carré

Distance : 15 kms

going : moderate

Start the walk at the hamlet called" Chez Carré" and follow the tarmac road which goes past "Le Banchereau" and "Romefort". Turn left at the crossroads, walk past a Charentaise house " Chez Doublet" Traffic is very limited. Continue until you reach a narrow tarmac road on your right, Follow the narrow road, then turn left , keep ahead , walk past the hamlet called "La petite vache" then as you emerge into the open field follow the track you reach the hamlet called "La grande vache" . Shortly after passing "La grande vache" you will soon come in sight of a Roman bridge where you can have a rest for a while in the shade .Then a few hundred metres ahead turn right and walk along the tarmac road, walk past the Charentaise houses on your right and take in the view over the Gironde Estuary , Meschers , Talmont... After a while the narrow road emerges onto another tarmac road. From there you can consider returning to the departure point or taking a detour to the village of Talmont. If you turn left you will see the church of Talmont and if you turn right you will return to the starting point. The day we did this walk was so hot that we decided to turn right and return to the starting point. This section of the walk steadily and gently climbs but you may enjoy extensive views over the estuary, carry on up to a footpath sign and then continue walking on the obvious path , you will pass through a small wood before reaching the road that goes from Arces to Epargnes. Cross the road and take the footpath just ahead. Now walk past the farm on your left. The track continues to climb gently for a long section. Keep going and in the distance you can see the village of " Javrezac" and the water tower of Cozes. Keep to the track and then turn right. You will not walk through Javrezac. Then continue along the track through vineyards until you reach the tarmac road signposted Epargnes, walk along the road for a few metres to the crossroads, at which point, turn right. Then at the next road junction turn left , past the beautiful Charentaise house " Chez Doublet" and at the next junction turn right , walk past " Romefort" and follow the road to "Le Banchereau" , take in the view over the Gironde estuary, continue the same tarmac road until you reach the starting point " Chez Carré" On the one hand this itinary gives you the opportunity to observe birds of prey such as Milans, buzards...But on the other hand this is a walk which perhaps should best be attempted by the relatively fit as there are some long steady climbs.

Walks in the south of Charente Maritime

This circular walk features panoramic and breathtaking views over the Gironde Estuary and Talmont marshland. It also makes it a good walk to do in the winter with the opportunity to spot the birds on the marsh.

• Arces to Talmont
• Starting point : Arces ( townhall)
• Distance : 15 kilometres
• going : Moderate
• Walking shoes

The starting point is in Arces just in front of the townhall where you can park your car. For our circuit turn left on the main road and walk for a few hundred metres until you reach a footpath on your left. Keep to the walkway to a farm called " La Brande" Then keep ahead and follow the yellows arrows. The walk is completely flat and well-surfaced. Keep going on the obvious track until you reach the main road which goes to Arces on your right and Barzan on your left. Then turn left and a little way on the road leads to the hamlet called " Maisons neuves" Walk past the hamlet and turn right following the yellow waymarks. Follow the track to the farm called" Les Piloquets" This length may be a little overgrown so a bit uncomfortable for those wearing shorts. Keep to the walkway in the open fields after a while the path rises steadily as you approach the top of the hill where you can see an "obelisk" on your right. From this point the views are simply stunning. Pick a bright day for this walk and reward yourself with some magnificent views over the estuary ( 180°). Then keep to the obvious walkway down until you reach the red and white marks called" GR360". The path is a bit steep on a short length but then it is flat until you reach the farm and Gites de France called " Le porteau du bas"Leaving the gite behind you ,continue to the main tarmac road. Beware of the traffic which can be heavy in the summer. Cross the road and keep walking on the tarmac road leading to the village of Talmont. Talmont which lies on a headland is famous for its romanesque church overlooking the Gironde Estuary. It is a popular place. I personally like the charm of this village. After having a rest in Talmont, walk to the main road which goes to Royan on your left and Mortagne on your right. Beware of the traffic again , cross the road and keep walking until you reach the red and white signposted footpath then after a while ( it's quite a long way) you get to a fork then turn left.This length avoids use of a stretch of the main road which goes to Arces. Continue the track then bear right you get to a narrow tarmac road and walk through woodland. This part is also characterised by trees in water ( it's just like a small Bayou in Louisiana) Keep to the track now it rises steadily till you reach the hamlet of "Villeneuve" Walk past the hamlet leaving panoramic views over the Gironde behind. Then walk along the main road for a few hundred metres and turn left to the hamlet called " Liboulas". Follow the red and white waymarks and take the cul-de-sac road just ahead it is also a cycle track, a few metres ahead keep to the track which goes through vineyards , keep walking for a while and then go past Arces cementery. In the distance you can see the beautiful romanesque church worth visiting. This is an attractive walk offering tremendous views over the Gironde Estuary and it also offers the opportunity to spot some birds in the marshland.

Acknowledgements : Topo-guide en Charente Maritime. PR du pays Royannais