Picnic areas

They can be found near the canals of the Marais Poitevin, in the Mervent-Vouvant forest, around lakes and rivers, in the Terre d’étoiles (bocage) region, or inside towns and villages with character such as Fontenay-le-Comte, Vouvant, Nieul-sur-l’Autise or Foussais-Payré. Some even offer tables, shade and direct access to footpaths for an ideal break in the heart of nature.

Call us at the Tourist Office: we’ll be happy to advise you!

Yes, many walking, mountain biking, cycling and horse-riding routes include landscaped or natural areas ideal for a break before, during or after your journey.

The best known :

• In the Mervent-Vouvant forest: Saint-Luc, Sauvaget, La Fontaine à l’Ermite and the Pierre Brune plateau, etc.
• In the Marais Poitevin: La Pêcherie or Les Cabanes (Le Mazeau), La Pêcherie (Damvix), along the Rigole d’Aziré (Benet), the Souil leisure area (Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux), …
• En Terre d’étoiles – Bocage: La Colline des Moulins (Mouilleron-Saint-Germain), Le Rocher (Cheffois), L’Étruyère (Terval), …
• Fontenay-le-Comte: Parc Baron, on the Transfontenaysienne, the sports ground, …

Depending on the site, you’ll find tables, benches, shaded areas, sometimes car parks, children’s play areas and toilets.

However, not all areas have litter bins, so it’s often a good idea to bring your own rubbish to help preserve nature and keep the area clean.

The information sheets for each area detail the facilities available to help you choose the ideal spot for your epic break.