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Walks in the south of Charente Maritime

This walk features stunning views over the Gironde estuary and it offers different lanscapes in the countryside. It requires substancial climbs but they are steady climbs. The views from the top repay the effort.
  • Chez les Guilloux to St Seurin d'Uzet
  • Starting point : Chez les Guilloux
  • Distance : 20 kilometres

  • Time : 3 and a half hours

  • Going : Moderate

  • Walking shoes or sneakers

The walk starts at the hamlet "Chez les Guilloux" opposite a former beautiful "maison de ma�tre" in a derelict condition. The owners gather waste ( unbiodegradable waste and although some components have economical value and could be recycled they just keep piling them up. )This rural family is marginal , have no toilet , bathroom or modern equipment.They live the same way as farmers used to 60 years ago. Don't be repelled by their waste and keep the track , after a few minutes the path is unspoilt and nature has recovered its beauty. Then follow the trail down the hill until you reach a larger track. Turn right and continue walking along the bottom, alongside the forest and fields. There's a canal called "Le canal de Mocquesouris" but you can't see it from the path. Then follow the track up the hill to a junction then turn right to the direction of " Laborde". Follow the track leaving the hamlet of Laborde behind you. After a few minutes you get to the spring water supply called " la source de Chauvignac"

Water is treated for drinking water and it is said that it is the best drinking water. You can visit the spot by calling "the compagnie des eaux"Continue the path leaving behind the spring water of Chauvignac, turn right and walk along the marsh. In the distance you can see Barzan church. Then you come to the tarmac road called" la route verte"( If you turn right you get to the little port of "Les Monards" which is a nice place to have a rest. It is not included in the 20 kms!) Turn left and a little way on to the right stands a windmill. From the windmill, looking ahead the view is dominated by the estuary. Walk along the tarmac road which goes to Chenac ( (take care although not a busy road it does carry some traffic) and a little further on turn right through the vineyards, it rises steadily as the track approaches a "Charentaise house" overlooking the Gironde. Then keep on the obvious track ahead. At this point continue to descend, take care on this length. I recommend picking a bright day for this part of the walk because it can be a little muddy in winter or after heavy rain. Keep to the track and after a short way turn right. The path climbs gently and steadily as you approach the top of the hill and eventually reach the hamlet called" Le petit Chenac". It is worth taking in the view which is simply breathtaking. From there you can consider returning to the departure point or taking a detour to the village of St Seurin d'Uzet and have a rest or a picnic, the little port is worth seeing. After relaxing a bit take the same narrow tarmac road to return to "Le petit Chenac" . After passing the hamlet again turn right continuing uphill to the village of Chenac. Then go past the cemetery. At this point , as the road swings right, bear left and follow the signposted road" Les petites Dougnes" and " Les grandes Dougnes" . The narrow road emerges onto hamlets. After passing the hamlets keep going ahead uphill. You can see the houses on top of the hill ( the walk's starting point ). Follow the path and then you eventually join another tarmac narrow road leading to the hamlet of "Chez Carr�" The walk finishes after passing the hamlet .

Walks in the south of Charente Maritime Walks in the south of Charente Maritime Reviewed by shao ying on 00:29 Rating: 5

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