Change gear for a climb on the Montmorélien hillsides. Known for their ruggedness, these landscapes are the guarantee of incredible views. You will see that the South Charente is not as flat as you might think.
Go to the center of Yviers to start the first few miles of this tour. There, in the distance, you will see the Logis de la Tour, a residence that belonged to the Talleyrand-Périgord family. This family, one of the oldest in France, ruled over the Château de Chalais from the 13th to the 19th century. The history of the Talleyrand-Périgord family is marked by one important fact. They were responsible for organising the assassination of Cardinal de Richelieu, then Prime Minister of King Louis XIII. This affair caused a scandal at the time and has since been known as the "Chalais conspiracy".



After the Yviers village, you will reach the Valliers pond. This freshwater site offers a place of calm and serenity to exhausted travellers. There are paths where you can walk around and enjoy the lush nature.



Halfway along the route, the village of Passirac appears on the horizon. Here you will find a sumptuous 12th century Romanesque church, the church of Saint-Pierre. It is one of the most beautiful religious monuments in the South Charente. Further on, at the top of the hill, the castle "Le Châtelard" will offer you a refuge for the night. This residence welcomes you in all simplicity and offers you rooms full of charm, in a pleasant environment. Once the night is over, you will be able to repeat the feat of the previous day and climb to the top of the Montmorélien summits.

This is probably one of the most hilly circuits in the region. You'll encounter the cereal plains, waterways and picturesque villages of the South Charente. Keep your pedal to the metal! The experience may prove to be more difficult than expected...
Start out from Yviers on the winding dirt roads of this route. At this point, you will have to follow a small stream called the Argentonne, and head south to touch the border of the Charente-Maritime.



Continue on your way and you have arrived in Médillac! This charming little village, located a few miles from the Tude, has a magnificent 12th century Romanesque church. Its particularity lies in the colour of its stained glass windows. They have been redone using 12th century methods and materials. This is why you will find stained glass windows without colours, white on white, with simple assemblies of medallions, plant symbols and crosses.



The second half of the tour is a bit tricky! This is clearly not the easiest part. Once you have left Médillac, head towards the Tude and walk along the river. You will come across a succession of false flats and climbs to finally reach the heights of the Montmorélien and arrive at Yviers. Note that on this part of the circuit, you will cross the Vallée de la Tude, a Natura 2000 classified site which is a natural environment for many animal and plant species. Don't forget to look around from time to time!

You will be moving through beautiful landscapes on a mineral ground whose beginning is deceptive, a bit steep. You will walk along a lake surrounded by a superb monotrack before climbing severely.
This stage bypasses the village of Chalais and its beautiful renovated castle, acquired by the imitator Yves Lecocq. If you feel like it, make a diversion to come and discover it with your own eyes. The guides of the association for the preservation of the Pays de Chalais will tell you many anecdotes about it... And believe us, some will surprise you!

Les Essards, this small village perched on its hill, will transport you through its historical heritage and its legends.
In the village you will discover the Saint-Nicolas church, of Romanesque style which was built on a plan in the shape of a Latin cross in the 12th century. It has two bell towers. Between the 14th and 15th centuries, three chapels were added to the initial construction. This very pleasant and peaceful route goes through forests and hilly meadows.



Take the time to make a small detour to the healing fountain and its small chapel, located near the Beuronne, the legend tells that its water cured a wounded soldier, it was a place of pilgrimage every August 15 until the 1970s.



On the way you will have a magnificent view of the imposing and fabulous castle of La Faye which belonged to the Joubert family at the end of the 18th century and to the de Plas family at the beginning of the 20th century. You will also have the chance to meet deer which like to walk in the meadows around...

Les Essards, nice little village perch on his hill, from his lanscapes diversity will take you back out of the charentaise loundary.

Les Essards, nice little village perch on his hill, from his lanscapes diversity will take you back out of the charentaise loundary.

This is the domain of the blue waters. To get there, you'll have to cross a succession of ascents and descents. Don't forget to bring your binoculars and cameras... There are not only humans on this territory...
Take a walk around the paths of the ponds of Guizengeard and Touvérac and get ready to have your breath taken away! These landscapes are not the result of a long process initiated by nature. They have actually been shaped by the hand of man.



These watering holes were once clay quarries (kaolin to be exact). Over time, the extraction of these deposits was reduced and nature took over. In contact with certain geological layers, the water has become acidic and nothing develops there. This is what gives it its special colour.



There are many paths and beautiful landscapes on this stretch. Hikers and nature lovers will be delighted!



Here are a few tips for walking the marked trails.

- Please respect these unspoilt areas, as many species of migratory birds nest here.

- Do not leave the marked paths.

- Keep a low profile as you pass.