The best traffic-free bike rides around Chiché

Sturdy shoes and rain gear are recommended. Enjoy this walk.

It is from Place de la Solidarité, near the village hall, and in the light of a sunny afternoon, that visitors can best admire Courlay's church, firmly anchored on a hilltop, built in the middle of the village. It is squat and austere, like a fortress, a half-Gothic, half-Romanesque building whose square bell tower dominates the surrounding houses. Crossing the square, created on the site of the former cemetery relocated in 1900 and now adorned with a beautiful fountain where water cascades over granite chirons, note: the square bell tower with two small bays on each side (11th and 12th centuries); to the east, the large wall of the church's apse; on the north facade, a small rectangular tower resting on the bell tower and housing the stone staircase providing access to the bells; on the south facade, the turret topped with a slate pinnacle, the modillions of the cornice, a small door at the top of a few steps, and the Romanesque portal or main gate.

As you probably know, in the year 732, the armies of Charles Martel repelled the Arab advance around Poitiers. A troop of routed Saracens then barricaded themselves in the old parish church of St Sauveur and promised to surrender only in the event of divine intervention. However, in this month of May, after nights of prayers by the villagers, a cold snap hit the Poitiers countryside to the point of covering the grove with an astonishing layer of frost. The Saracens saw the sign of Allah in this unexpected event and decided to leave the village without giving battle. This legend gave its name to the village and the church of the Holy Trinity became a place consecrated by the religious authorities of the region. The oldest parts of the building that stands today on the small village square date back to the 11th century, but the church had to undergo several restoration campaigns during the 19th century. It now appears to us as a fine example of a Romanesque church, simple, rustic and austere. Note the modern stained glass windows made in the 1990s by Louis-René Petit, an artist who also worked in Sénanque and St Benoît sur Loire. His compositions inspired by frost give the church an atmosphere in harmony with its legend.

Dating from the 13th century, at the foot of the city ramparts, this bridge ultimately offers the best view of the Château de Thouars.

This bridge allows you to cross the Thouet and reach Saint Jacques De Thouars. The view there is magnificent! There is a good hill to climb after the bridge, be careful when choosing the pinion!

The Boismé water body is an easy-to-access and well-equipped body of water, offering an ideal site for fishing and family walks. You can enjoy the rich diversity of fish, such as carp, pike and zander, as well as the beautiful views of the water and the surrounding countryside. The hike around the lake is approximately 4 km and is suitable for all fitness levels. There is also a picnic area, playground and snack bar near the lake. The Boismé lake is an ideal place to enjoy nature and have fun.

The Chouans bridge on the Thouet is a medieval bridge which crosses the Thouet river between Thouars and Saint-Jean-de-Thouars. The bridge was fortified in the 15th century and witnessed the passage of the Vendée army during the French Revolution. You can admire the architecture of the bridge which has two arches and triangular spouts on the piers. You can also enjoy the view of the river and the castle of the Dukes of La Trémoille on the hill. The bridge is classified as a historic monument and has been restored several times.

Site of the former Abbey of Bonneval, of which only vestiges remain (private and which can be visited during Heritage Days). A large public park is accessible, with enough to park bicycles, a water point, tables, all along a small river. The charming place and superbly well maintained!