In September, I took advantage of the Indian summer to make Hugo's wish come true. After several kayak outings, my teenager was eyeing another water activity, stand-up paddleboarding. A few inquiries later, here we go, direction La Fourmy Canoë in Bonneuil-Matours.
Get up, stand up!
The leisure center is located on the banks of Vienne, at Crémault park. Barely parked, we see the shelter where the boats are stored. Lazlo welcomes us and explains to me that La Fourmy specialized around fifteen years ago in canoe and kayak rental. Behind this company hides another young man, Aurélien, whose surname is none other than… Fourmy. My curiosity is satisfied!
Lazlo works alongside Aurélien all season, that is to say from the beginning of April to the end of October. A third instructor supports them in July-August. This year it was Corentin, who just stopped by to greet his colleague. You will certainly recognize it if you have tried paddle boarding at the Manu de Châtellerault, on summer Monday evenings...
In addition to the Bonneuil-Matours site for walks on the Vienne, another base installed in Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé allows you to slide on the Anglin or the Gartempe to vary the routes.
While putting on his life jacket on the beach, Hugo asks about the difference between canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Lazlo, with his sports studies in STAPS and his kayak instructor diploma, enlightens us: “ Historically, the canoe was used by American Indians who navigated on their knees, using a single paddle. Kayaking, invented by the Inuit, is done seated with a double paddle. There is also the Canadian canoe, designed by trappers: you sit in it with a simple paddle. Finally, Stand-up Paddle (SUP) is of Polynesian origin and requires standing on a board, equipped with a simple paddle. Aside from historic canoeing, La Fourmy offers all these activities. »
It's not easy to find balance on the board for the first few minutes. Lazlo advises Hugo to relax and bend his legs slightly. Well seen: my teenager is gaining confidence and is off for an hour's walk.
I take the opportunity to walk around Crémault Park. In addition to relaxing on the beach, swimming in the Vienne (supervised in July-August) and fishing, the leisure center offers a playground, a volleyball court, ping-pong tables, picnic tables. nice… All with a view of the river.
This weekday, a group of young girls take advantage of the facilities in the presence of a leader, a couple walks, a gentleman takes a dip and a large family arrives with everything needed for a comfortable lunch.
Hugo returns delighted from his escapade. “ Standing, you overlook the river and have a breathtaking view of the banks. It's more sporty than kayaking or canoeing, I think, because you can't just let yourself be carried away by the current. And it works on balance. I loved !»
With sparkling eyes, he tells me what he discovered while paddling on the Vienne: “As I headed to the left, I saw the suspension bridge and a pretty house. But it was especially going to the right that I enjoyed myself. There is an old mill, a hydroelectric power station, a dam, a waterfall and even a small island with goats!"
If Hugo's experience has motivated you and you don't want to wait until next spring, rest assured, paddle or canoe-kayak rental is still possible until the end of the spring holidays. Toussaint. Weekdays or weekends, but by reservation only.
Fourmy Canoë Parc de Crémault 10, stadium alley in Bonneuil-Matours Tel: 06 15 77 71 97
From April to October. Rental by reservation • Prices: one hour €6, half day €15, full day €20.
Locavore picnic
The large family happily eating around a picnic table whetted my appetite. And paddleboarding is great! So, for us too, it will be lunch by the water. Here are my two good Bonnimato tips…
• The Choquet pastry shop
I discovered Mathieu Lapierre's creations thanks to an Instagram story by the Châtellerault cycling champion, Sylvain Chavanel. Imagine that the house specialty is called Paris-Bonneuil, that is to say a Paris-Brest enhanced with cracker on choux pastry and a runny hazelnut center. When we know that the Paris-Brest took the shape of a bicycle wheel in homage to the eponymous race, I say to myself that it is no coincidence! In any case, this cake is a real delight…
In the savory window, Hugo points out the chicken curry wrap, while I opt for an Italian bagel. Lovers of classic sandwiches, pizza, croque-monsieur, quiche or ham croissant will also find what they are looking for.
28 place du commerce in Bonneuil-Matours. Tel: 05 49 85 20 53 Closed on Mondays.
• Saturday morning market
If you come to Bonneuil-Matours on a Saturday, the market is an essential stop. On the stalls, you will find all the local products you need to fill your basket: cold meats, goat cheese, fruits, vegetables, shellfish...
No market the day I came with Hugo. However, I remember that, during a previous visit, the friendly atmosphere on the stands and the quality of the food appealed to me.
Place du Commerce in Bonneuil-Matours • 8 a.m.-13 p.m.
My favorite Heritage
After our bucolic break in the Crémault park, I suggested to Hugo that we teach him the Heritage section of Bonneuil-Matours. We are going in search of the four sites registered or classified as Historic Monuments…
• St. Peter's Church from the 12th century. Built on the left bank of the river, its square tower and Roman apse are reflected in the waters of the Vienne. Inside, the choir and the decorations are remarkable.
• the suspension bridge, the first to use this technique in France in 1932. Eiffel type and unique of its kind, it spans the river to connect the departmental road to the town center. I really like the atmosphere that emerges from this steel work of art, caressed by the surrounding vegetation.
• the castle of Crémault, a fine example of a Poitevin manor house from the first half of the 19th century. On the banks of the Vienne, it is surrounded by a main courtyard, a large park and numerous outbuildings. Passionate about classical music, the owner regularly organizes concerts there. To be admired from the street: a monumental entrance portal.
21 rue du 8 Mai 1945 in Bonneuil-Matours. Information: +06 87 48 10 65 XNUMX
Private, open during European Heritage Days and during cultural events.
• the Marieville castle, elegant freestone building, representative of the Second Empire. I never tire of its magical appearance given by its turrets and sculpted decorations. My youngest son, Arthur (4 years old), is convinced that this is the castle from “Sleeping Beauty”! Overlooking the Vienne, it offers an exceptional view of the Moulière forest, an ideal spot for hiking.
1 Marieville in Bonneuil-Matours. Open to visitors in summer and guest rooms all year round.
It’s decided: I’ll come back to Bonneuil-Matours.
Why not on a Sunday on the occasion of the monthly flea market ?
Or to visit the Maurice Fombeure museum (free, by appointment only). The writer beautifully depicted the village of his childhood in poems and is buried in the town's cemetery. I leave you with the rhymes of his epitaph…
He carried on his heavy shoulder – His destiny like a bird – Now he sleeps under the willows – Listening to the sound of the waters.
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