WALKING IN THE DEUX-SÈVRES

       Poitou-Charentes                                Deux-Sèvres                          Just down the lane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Deux-Sèvres is situated inland from the Atlantic coast south of the Loire, and is named after the two major rivers – the Sèvre Niortaise flowing south through Niort to the Atlantic and the Sèvre Nantaise flowing north to the Loire at Nantes.

Deux-Sèvres is one of the four départements making up the Poitou-Charentes region, together with the Charente, Charente-Maritime and Vienne.

 

  

 

The countryside is largely pastoral and gently undulating with a feeling of space,  tranquillity and a slow pace of life.  Largely agricultural terrain is dotted with canopied woodland, hilly outcrops, waterways and also has its fair share of châteaux to explore.  Green fields are dotted with woodland and bordered by hedgerows with an abundance of wild flowers. Cattle and sheep graze the lush meadows and the area is famous for goat cheeses and apple growing.

It is a haven for wildlife.  Many species of birds of prey can be seen here throughout the year circling the skies or swooping over the woods and fields.  Roe deer, wild boar and red squirrels can be seen and there are plenty of reptiles and amphibians that frequent the countryside with its many lakes and ponds.  There are numerous varieties of butterfly to see also.  Since the cottage is on a no through road in a rural location, walkers will be able to experience real tranquility.

 A host of small historic towns, villages and hamlets wait to be discovered: all displaying, at one time or another, that sense of “La Vie Française”, particularly at the numerous local markets selling locally bred meat and poultry as well as a wonderful selection of fresh fish, ranges of local cheeses, honey and other farm produce.

All this makes the Deux-Sèvres a “must” for both walking and exploring, just for the sheer enjoyment of getting out into a rolling, tranquil and unspoilt countryside, to explore the French way of life in the many local towns and villages, and for observing the extensive range of flora and fauna.

At Coin Perdu, we offer an ideal place to stay and an excellent base from where to explore the area.  Either walk from the cottage or drive/cycle to other places within easy travelling distance.   Local maps and suggested walk routes are available in the cottage. 

The Comité Départemental de Tourisme en Deux-Sèvres has published a collection of around 120 information leaflets on waymarked walks throughout the Département, designed to highlight the heritage and scenery, each describing the starting point, distance, estimated duration of the walk, type of signage and the heritage sites and places of interest along the way. In fact, a way-marked trail is signed just outside the cottage.  The GR (Grande Randonée) No. 36 passes through St Marc La Lande, just up the road from the cottage.

We can provide walkers with a packed lunch if required and the cottage is fully equipped to ensure that your stay is as relaxing as possible.  Self-catering allows you to sample all the local produce and prepare it as you wish. We can provide walkers with fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden, free of charge, when available.   We can also provide fresh eggs from our own chickens.