4.5
(26)
56
hikers
16
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Bois De La Demoiselle are primarily characterized by their gentle, forested landscapes, making them ideal for all ages. The region features extensive woodlands, such as the Forêt domaniale de Chizé, offering shaded paths and tranquil environments. Elevation changes are generally minimal, providing accessible routes through the natural surroundings. These trails often wind through areas with diverse flora and fauna, typical of French forests.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
4.0
(1)
2
hikers
5.31km
01:23
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
2.74km
00:42
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(1)
2
hikers
11.3km
02:56
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
1
hikers
23.2km
06:02
150m
150m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
10
hikers
10.2km
02:37
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A vestige of a prehistoric forest, the Chizé forest extends over more than 3,000 hectares. Very popular with hikers and cyclists, it is crossed by the GR36 and the GR de Pays de la sylve d'Argenson. Mainly made up of beech trees, it is also home to numerous oak trees, including the Emperor's oak tree. More than 250 years old, it measures 27 meters high. Natura 2000 Zone and Natural Area of Ecological Fauna and Flora Interest, the forest is home to numerous mammals, reptiles, birds, butterflies and amphibians.
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The Chizé forest, a Natura 2000 site, is part of the much larger Aulnay-Chizé massif. It is a great place to run in the forest and take a forest bath.
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The Chizé forest, a Natura 2000 site, is part of the much larger Aulnay-Chizé massif. It is not only an ideal place to walk in the forest and take a forest bath, but also the Center for Biological Studies of Chizé, installed in a former military camp, and Zoodyssée, a tourist and educational scientific center with animations , twilight walks, exhibitions and a museum.
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Halfway between castle and villa, the castle of Dampierre sur Boutonne is known for its labyrinth and its alchemical gallery.
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This church was dedicated to Saint Peter (Saint Pierre). Simon, nicknamed Petrus (rock), was a fisherman on Lake Genesareth when he - together with his brother Andreas - was called by Jesus Christ to be a "fisherman of men". According to the Catholic understanding he is the highest apostle, and the two millennia long line of popes - currently Francis - are in his successor. On statues and paintings Peter is almost always shown with two keys in his hand, this attribute refers to the Bible verse in Matthew: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; what you will bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and what you will loosen on earth will be loosened in heaven ”(Chapter 16, verse 19). Together with Paul, Peter is also known as the "princes of the apostles", their common feast day in the saints' calendar is on June 29th.
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Very beautiful Romanesque church ... to see
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Our guide features 15 family-friendly hiking routes in the Bois De La Demoiselle region. These include 8 easy trails and 5 moderate options, ensuring there's something suitable for families with varying experience levels.
Family hikes in this region vary, with many routes designed to be manageable for children. For example, the Hiking loop from Saint-Séverin-sur-Boutonne is just over 5 km, taking around 1.5 hours. Longer options like the The Forêt domaniale de Chizé – loop are about 10 km, suitable for families looking for a longer adventure.
While specific stroller-friendly trails are not explicitly detailed for all routes, many of the easy trails, particularly those with minimal elevation gain, are likely suitable for sturdy strollers. We recommend checking the route details and terrain descriptions for paths like the Hiking loop from Saint-Séverin-sur-Boutonne, which has very gentle elevation changes.
The Bois De La Demoiselle region is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with fewer crowds. Summer is also great, especially for shaded forest paths. Winter walks can be magical, but always check local conditions and trail accessibility.
The region offers a variety of natural settings. You can expect peaceful forest immersion, such as on routes through the Forêt domaniale de Chizé, or gentle paths winding through rural landscapes and past charming villages. Some areas might feature river paths or open views, providing diverse experiences for families.
Yes, many of the family-friendly trails in Bois De La Demoiselle are circular, making them convenient for families. Examples include the Saint-Pierre Church of Aulnay loop from Aulnay and the Chizé Forest loop from Villiers-en-Bois, allowing you to start and end at the same point without needing to retrace your steps.
For most routes in the Bois De La Demoiselle region, parking is generally available near the starting points, especially in or near villages like Aulnay or Villiers-en-Bois. We recommend checking the specific route details on komoot for precise parking information before you head out.
For a comfortable family hike, always bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate clothing layers for the weather. Sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent are also recommended. Don't forget a first-aid kit and a fully charged phone. For younger children, consider bringing a small backpack for them to carry their own treasures.
The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly trails in Bois De La Demoiselle, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, accessible paths, the natural beauty of the forests, and the overall peaceful atmosphere that makes for a relaxing outdoor experience with children.
While the routes focus on natural beauty, you might encounter charming village churches, like the Saint-Pierre Church on the Saint-Pierre Church of Aulnay loop, or tranquil forest ponds. The region's rich natural environment itself, with its diverse flora and fauna, serves as a continuous point of interest for curious young explorers.
Generally, dogs are welcome on trails in the Bois De La Demoiselle region, especially on leash. However, specific rules can vary by location, particularly in nature reserves or protected areas. Always check local signage and be mindful of wildlife and other hikers to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.


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