Vienne Valley
The route follows the Vienne valley to Confolens, the gateway to the Charente-Limousin region.
There are swimming spots dotted along the route, and as you drive along, you’ll discover the exceptional medieval site of Chauvigny, the imposing viaduct at l’Isle-Jourdain, the pretty village of Availles-Limouzine and the impressive fortress of Saint-Germain de Confolens perched on its promontory.
< Châtellerault
Confolens >
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The 6 stages of the section « Vienne Valley »
In Châtellerault, the viewing platform connecting the two chimneys of the former arms factory, known as ‘la Manu’, offers a fine view of the town.
A stroll through the historic centre allows you to explore its medieval streets and Saint-Jacques Church – an essential stop for pilgrims on the Way of St James.
Just a short drive from Cenon-sur-Vienne, the Gallo-Roman site of Vieux Poitiers features a tower, the last remaining structure of a 10,000-seat theatre built in the 1st century.
In Vouneuil-sur-Vienne, the Pinail nature reserve, comprising thousands of ponds, peat bogs, meadows and heathland, offers a fascinating break in the countryside.
The CycloTransEurope association offers a route that passes through Poitiers.
This slightly undulating stage follows quiet country lanes, winding its way through the beautifully wooded banks of the Vienne, past fields and hamlets.
To really appreciate Chauvigny, park your bike and make your way up to the medieval town via the steep, narrow streets. The site is exceptional: the Château d’Harcourt (13th century), the ruins of the Château des Evêques and its free-flight bird show, the superb panorama from the terrace of the Gouzon keep, and the Saint-Pierre collegiate church, a marvel of Romanesque art.
In Valvidienne, a trip to the charming village of Morthemer is highly recommended : the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, the castle, and the Dive pond.
In Civaux, the route passes by the nuclear power station, leads to the Planète Crocodile and then to the imposing Merovingian necropolis.
Lussac-les-Châteaux is renowned for its Museum of Prehistory. It offers workshops for young visitors, family activities and guided tours of the caves.
From Lussac-les-Châteaux, the route follows narrow roads, never far from the banks of the Vienne. On the left bank, there is a beach and swimming at Queaux. On the right bank, there is a canoe and kayak centre at Moussac. At L‘Isle-Jourdain, Lake Chardes offers a playground and picnic area.
In L’Isle-Jourdain, the view of the Vienne valley from the viaduct is superb.
The route to Millac winds its way through fields, woods and meadows before passing close to the hydroelectric dams that regulate the flow of the River Vienne.
The route begins in Availles-Limouzine, an old fortified town built on a promontory, and then passes close to the architectural park at the Bois Buchet estate, north of Lessac, where a stroll amongst the experimental buildings is a fascinating experience.
Further south, the ancient fortress of the medieval village of Saint-Germain-de-Confolens, at the confluence of the Vienne and the Issoire, overlooks the valley. You can also cycle along the old railway line to Confolens, a pleasant, shaded greenway, though it is in rather poor condition.
