Crossing the Sylve d'Argenson

From Rimbault (Deux-Sevres) to Saleignes (Charente-Maritime)

In the heart of the former royal forest, the trail winds its way into this biological reserve where ancient oaks and beeches protect exceptional forest biodiversity. Following the Boutonne Valley towards Saint-Séverin and Dampierre, hikers discover a remarkable heritage, dominated by the Renaissance château of Dampierre-sur-Boutonne and its sculpted galleries. The route then branches off towards Aulnay-de-Saintonge, a major stop on the Via Turonensis, famous for its Romanesque church. The trail continues under the canopy towards Saint-Mandé-sur-Brédoire and Contre, where the tranquility of the undergrowth invites contemplation. Between wetlands and hidden clearings, this wild crossing ends in Saleignes, a testament to the perfect harmony between the history of the great forest estates and the preservation of ecosystems.

Crossing the Sylve d'Argenson (Deux-Sevres, Charente-Maritime)

The Argenson Forest Crossing, from Rimbault to Saleignes, traverses the remains of a vast, ancient medieval forest straddling the Deux-Sèvres and Charente-Maritime departments. The landscape is characterized by dense hedgerows interspersed with preserved woodland, remnants of this historic forest. The region's history is that of a wooded territory, linked to royal hunts and the lords of the former province of Poitou. The forest, now fragmented, is rich in flora typical of limestone lowland forests, dominated by oak and beech. The fauna is that of the Atlantic hedgerow landscape, including roe deer, wild boar, and a wide variety of birds nesting in the hedges and woods, making this route a peaceful experience in the hinterland.

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ign

Crossing the Sylve d'Argenson (Deux-Sevres, Charente-Maritime) 2

Crossing the Sylve d'Argenson (Deux-Sevres, Charente-Maritime) 3

Distance: 42km, Elevation maximum: 162m, Elevation minimum: 34m, Elevation gain uphill: 279m
IGN Maps: 1529SB - FRONTENAY-ROHAN-ROHAN FORÊT DE CHIZÉ MAUZÉ-SUR-LE-MIGNON. 1530SB - SAINT-JEAN-D'ANGÉLY TONNAY-BOUTONNE. 1630SB - AULNAY COUTURE-D'ARGENSON.

Crossing the Sylve d'Argenson (Deux-Sevres, Charente-Maritime) 10 Nearby paths:
Tour of the Marches de Gatine (Deux-Sèvres, Vienne)
Tour of Mélusine Country (Vendée)
Tour of the Mandragore (Charente, Haute-Vienne)
GR®4 From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean
GR®36 From Channel to Pyrenees
GR®48 From La Ribiere (Haute-Vienne) to Chinon (Indre-et-Loire)
GR®360 Around Saintonge (Charente-Maritime)
GR®655 Via Turonensis

It is advisable to follow the beacons all along your hike and to bring you the FFRandonnee topo-guide. You will also find information on MonGR.fr.

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Former holiday hotel with a garden along the Allier, L'Etoile Guest House is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent between Lozere, Ardeche, and the Cevennes in the mountains of Southern France. At the crossroads of GR®7, GR®70 Stevenson Path, GR®72, GR®700 Regordane Way, GR®470 Allier River springs and gorges, GRP® Cevenol, Ardechoise Mountains, Margeride. Numerous loop trails for hiking and one-day biking excursions. Ideal for a relaxing and hiking getaway.