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.