Nestled in the heart of Haut-Poitou, La Forêt-sur-Sèvre offers a preserved setting where nature lovingly enfolds the vestiges of the past. Crossed by the calm waters of the Sèvre Nantaise, the village provides a peaceful introduction to enjoying a true break in the countryside. It is an ideal stopover to get a feel for a fascinating rural land rich in traditions.

To discover:

• Château de La Forêt-sur-Sèvre: Contemplate this former medieval fortress remodeled during the Renaissance, surrounded by water-filled moats and a magnificent green park.

• Sèvre Nantaise Riverbanks Trails: Enjoy a shaded stroll along the river in search of aquatic wildlife and mills of yesteryear. (1h00)

• Étang de la Chapelle-Saint-Étienne: Treat yourself to a picnic break beside a peaceful body of water renowned for its serenity.

Préfou poitevin with Charentes-Poitou AOP Butter: Share the friendliness of the South-West right from the aperitif with the famous préfou. This country bread served warm, gently turning golden in the oven, is generously rubbed with fresh garlic and topped with frothy Charentes-Poitou AOP butter.

A character town firmly anchored on the banks of the Thouet, Airvault immediately charms with its old stones and narrow streets steeped in history. Between its imposing abbey and its traditional covered market, the town exudes the gentle way of life of the valley. It is a true haven of peace for architecture lovers and walks along the water.

To discover:

• Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Airvault: Admire this jewel of Poitevin Romanesque art, renowned for the delicate detail of its carved capitals and its soothing atmosphere.

• Vieux Pont de Vernay: Cross this medieval stone bridge that elegantly spans the waters of the Thouet.

• Halles d'Airvault: Stroll among the market stalls under a remarkable metal and wood frame right in the heart of the town.

Le Farci Poitevin: An essential market-gardening specialty of the Poitou countryside, farci poitevin is a delicious vegetable terrine cooked in large Savoy cabbage leaves. Prepared with a mixture of chopped spinach, sorrel, bacon, and garden herbs.

From the valleys of the Thouet to the gateway of the Marais Poitevin, this stage brings together three towns with wonderfully complementary charm. Between the bucolic landscapes of Azay-sur-Thouet, the wetlands of Beugnon-Thireuil, and the princely heritage of Coulonges-sur-l'Autize, enjoy an ideal blend of unspoilt nature and historical residences.

To discover:

• Château Renaissance de Coulonges-sur-l'Autize: Explore this remarkable monument renowned for its magnificent sculpted galleries, unique in the region.

• Forêt de l'Autize à Beugnon-Thireuil: Traverse the forest trails beneath century-old foliage to observe undergrowth wildlife and discreet streams.

• Bords de Sèvre à Azay-sur-Thouet: Enjoy a landscaped natural area along the river, perfect for relaxation and waterbird watching.

Chabichou du Poitou AOP & Stewed Mogettes: Allow yourself to be tempted by the famous Chabichou du Poitou AOP, an iconic goat's cheese with a instantly recognisable small cone shape ("la bonde"). Both melt-in-the-mouth and subtly distinctive, it pairs wonderfully with a warm dish of mogettes, local white beans stewed with a touch of butter and thyme.

Undisputed capital of the Marais Poitevin, Coulon plunges you immediately into a magical aquatic world, while Mauzé-sur-le-Mignon offers a peaceful gateway along the canal. The shaded waterways lined with pollard ash trees form a unique green labyrinth to glide through in absolute tranquility.

To discover:

• Traditional boat trip in Coulon: Board a traditional flat-bottomed boat (plate) and let the boatman handle the pole (pigouille) to guide you into the heart of the Green Venice canals. (2h00)

• Maison du Marais Poitevin in Coulon: Understand how man and nature have shaped this exceptional landscape together since the Middle Ages.

• Harbour and canal of Mauzé-sur-le-Mignon: Stroll along the old inland shipping quays lined with majestic trees in Mauzé-sur-le-Mignon.

Lumas à la Maraîchère & Candied Angelique from Niort: Dare to taste lumas, these marsh snails prepared according to tradition with garlic butter, fresh parsley, and small shallots. For dessert, discover candied angelica from Niort, an aromatic plant nicknamed "the herb of angels", prepared in sweet sticks of a beautiful emerald colour.

On the doorstep of Niort, Saint-Gelais and Prahecq are nestled in a peaceful countryside setting nurtured by the curves of the Sèvre Niortaise and fish-filled streams. Between manorial houses, restored watermills, and lush green meadows, these two villages charm visitors with their intimate atmosphere.

To discover:

• Château de Saint-Gelais: Admire the carved facades and elegant architecture of this historic residence set within a lush green valley.

• Sèvre Niortaise Watermills: Follow the course of the river to discover the ancient mechanisms of yesterday's flour mills.

• Prahecq Heritage Trail: Stroll through the village to observe the old church and the pretty Poitou limestone houses.

Le Tourteau Fromagé: Allow yourself to be surprised by the tourteau fromagé, the region's most original pastry. Beneath its black dome, deliberately burnt during baking, lies a cake with an exceptionally light, airy crumb, made with fresh goat's cheese, eggs, and sugar.

This final stage traverses the Pays Mellois, a land of history boasting remarkable medieval heritage. From the source of the Boutonne at Brioux-sur-Boutonne to the undergrowth of Sauzé-Entre-Bois, via the Romanesque churches of Melle, the journey ends on a major cultural and poetic note.

To discover:

• Mines d'argent des Rois Francs in Melle: Descend into the underground galleries of Europe's oldest visitable silver mines before exploring the Carolingian garden.

• Romanesque Triad and Discovery Trail in Melle: Contemplate Saint-Hilaire Church while strolling through an arboretum of over 1,000 trees and shrubs lining the village circuit.

• Park and source of the Boutonne in Brioux-sur-Boutonne: Enjoy a peaceful break among century-old trees lining the newly born river.

• Shaded trails of Sauzé-Entre-Bois: Breathe the fresh air of the sunken lanes and Mellois woodlands during a rejuvenating hike.

Chevreau rôti aux herbes du Poitou: A traditional dish for celebrations and grand tables in the Mellois area, roast kid goat is an exceptionally tender meat. Basted in its own juices, seasoned with pink garlic, thyme, and rosemary, it is traditionally served with small sautéed potatoes or fresh mogettes.