Conquering Haut-Poitou!

Haut-Poitou natural version

Haut-Poitou is above all a green and rural land with which man has been able to compose to get the best out of it. If the human footprint is visible, this little piece of the Vienne preserves authentic landscapes and unspoiled nature that is good to discover.

What does Haut-Poitou look like?

Before or after your visit to Poitiers, take the side roads to discover the great expanses of Haut-Poitou.

The vineyards extend as far as the eye can see on the hillsides, while in the valleys, the water irrigates the plains, giving a very bucolic side to the villages it passes through. It is therefore very pleasant to walk through the Dive valley and the Auxance valley, dotted with wash houses and stone bridges. In the countryside, small local heritage, made of mills, dovecotes or cabins, reveals the soul of the territory. Finally, the forest of Vouillé-Saint-Hilaire constitutes a real haven of freshness in the south of Haut-Poitou.

Where to hike in Haut-Poitou?

Who says beautiful nature, says hiking! Haut-Poitou is no exception to the rule with its countless trails. From the short family walk to discover the arboretum of Neuville-du-Poitou, to the 2 rivers trail of 20 km around Chiré-en-Montreuil, the choice is vast.

Among the most famous routes you will find:

• The way to Saint-Martin : from Ligugé, 170 km long, it retraces the epic of Saint Martin, evangelist and bishop of Tours. The stone markers that trace its course criss-cross the Poitevin countryside to discover charming villages, churches or even heritage. On the route, gîtes and covered accommodation welcome you for your rest periods.
• La Chouppes bird hike : family walk par excellence, this 7 km course, through fields and forests, reveals, among other things, the secrets of a cave mill. Explanatory panels give all the keys to recognize local birds. Can you distinguish the song of the blue tit from that of the common quail?
• In the villages with Tèrra Aventura : several routes take you through small charming villages, to reveal their secrets. Vouille, Mirebeau or Cherves: to visit with the geocaching application of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, 100% free!

Authentic version of Haut-Poitou

To pierce the soul of a territory, nothing beats an immersion in its places of memory where the heritage alone reveals many stories and legends. Direction the villages of character of Haut-Poitou!

Haut-Poitou is also a territory of flavors. In the region, farmers and producers work to awaken our taste buds. Some share their passion with pleasure in the markets or on their property.
Don’t hesitate to meet them!

Mirebeau, fortified town

With its 2000 inhabitants, Mirebeau is located ideally halfway between Loudon et Poitiers. This strategic position once earned it a strong economic potential that allowed the city to develop. In this old fortified city built on a feudal motte, a walk invites you to discover its heritage: its covered passages, its bourgeois residences, its fortified tower, its mansions and its religious buildings.

A beautiful walk to take the real pulse of Haut-Poitou!

Complete the visit with the “ These Mirebalaises are too strong ! » on the geocaching application Tèrra Aventura.

Vouille, rural village

25 km west of Poitiers, Vouille is a small flowery town in which life is good. Bathed by the Auxance river in which the fortified entrance gate to the city is reflected, Vouillé was the scene of a battle between Franks and Visigoths, an important stage in the history of Gaul.

Using a free application created by passionate residents “Vouillé, un village steeped in history”, you follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and discover the history of Vouillé.
The app journey Tèrra Aventura « Without Clo or Screw.. » also allows you to explore the city while having fun.

Finally, a discovery of Vouillé is not complete without a walk in its vast national forest where the Fairy Wonder needs help. Thanks to a course of puzzles and skill, you will have a great time with your family! To do this, download the application "On the Trail of Wonder" on Google Play or the App Store.

Haut-Poitou gourmet version

Bike and cheese route: move and savor

Succumbing to gluttony without feeling guilty, this is in a way the program offered by the Department of Vienne throughout his career « Bike & cheeses ». The Haut-Poitou route, 48 km long, includes 3 cheese stops as well as other gourmet breaks in the villages crossed.
The loop passes through a Natura 2000 protected area where you will certainly have the opportunity to observe some beautiful birds between 2 tastings.

Haut-Poitou products not to be missed

La Vienne is a land with multiple flavors. From starter to dessert including main course, products from Haut-Poitou accompany you throughout your meal.

Cheeses

La Vienne is a country of cheeses. His speciality ? Goat's milk cheeses and more particularly the tasty Chabichou, protected by an AOC.
In Haut-Poitou, head for the Turpeau cheese dairy or the Coudret cheese dairy to visit authentic farms. You will discover all the stages of cheese making and can even watch goats being milked.

Wines

With goat cheese, nothing beats a small glass of wine. For this, head to the vineyards of the AOC Haut-Poitou. White, red or rosé, the region's wines are generally fruity. They go well with local cuisine as well as exotic dishes.

Many estates open their cellars to visitors and at the tasting. It would be a shame not to open their door!

Fruity, exotic or traditional flavors

Among the local products not to be missed, you will find, throughout the region, Haut-Poitou melon. Fourteen producers devote their best clay-limestone plots to the production of a fragrant, juicy and sweet fruit. Excellent for summer picnics!
Finally, less typical of the region, but just as tasty for holiday meals, foie gras from Maison Mitteault is one of the local jewels. Some chefs have the audacity to combine it with a few grams of saffron from Boivre-la-Vallée for an original floral touch. Would you let yourself be tempted?

Haut-Poitou original version

In addition to revealing an authentic character, Haut-Poitou also knows how to make itself original and atypical! Among the unusual discoveries, here is one that could please both young and old.

La Tourette troglodyte caves, an unusual underground visit

Not everyone knows it, but the Vienne has many troglodyte sites. Among them, there is one in Haut-Poitou that is even more special than the others. Originally, the troglodyte site of La Tourette in Saint-Martin-la-Pallu was used for agriculture. Composed of 20 rooms served by a vast network of galleries, it was used for storing crops between the XNUMXth^th and the XVII^th century. There is even an underground dovecote in perfect condition.

This rare set bears witness to all the ingenuity of medieval men, while reminding us of the precariousness of their daily lives. A very unique visit to make in Haut-Poitou!

Despite its small geographical area, Haut-Poitou offers you a getaway rich in activities. No need to travel miles to quench your thirst for discovery! Moreover, speaking of thirst, did you know that the fame of Haut-Poitou wines already went beyond the French borders in the XNUMXth century?^th century ? Come quickly discover the history of this ancestral vineyard by visiting the estates of AOC Haut-Poitou !