From the first rays of spring sunshine until the Indian summer, country meals without constraints are part of the pleasures of my little family. Arthur in particular, our youngest son, loves picnics. Choosing the ideal place to unfold the checkered tablecloth, take the food out of the wicker basket, play dinner, eat with your hands, use your water bottle... Even picking up waste and finding a trash can becomes a party!
Grand Châtellerault offers many good picnic spots where you can swoon in the fresh air. Here are my top 5…
1
At the foot of a castle, at Parc du Verger in Châtellerault
Welcome to the Domaine du Verger! Legend has it that in the 17th century the poet Jean de La Fontaine, then in exile in Châtellerault, wrote the fable “The Little Fish and the Fisherman” in this park to the east of the town, on a stone bench today. now disappeared.
An avenue lined with boxwood and laurels welcomes visitors. Opposite the castle, a flowery lawn stretches to the delightful pond near which stands a weeping willow. Oaks, elms, maples and cedars display their foliage for shade lovers. Choose a bench or provide a blanket for your lunch on the grass.
I like : The fact that this charming park is enclosed: ideal for young children. Arthur my gardener is enthusiastic about the free-picking bins installed at the very back. Memorizing the names of plants, fruits and vegetables is his hobby!
Things to see and do nearby: Stroll through the town center of Châtellerault in search of heritage nuggets (Blossac Theater, Saint-Jacques church, Henri IV bridge, etc.). Another option for families: the geocaching course “Overheating at La ManuSigned Terra Aventura.
Access: open and free from 8:30 a.m. to 20:30 p.m. from the beginning of April to the end of September / From 8:30 a.m. to 18 p.m. from the beginning of October to the end of March.
Orchard park Avenue du Maréchal Leclerc in Châtellerault
2
In the green, in the Otzberg Garden in Lencloître
The picturesque Lencloître fair, every first Monday of the month, is one of the favorite events of my happy troop. We fill our lunch basket at the producers' stands. Then, after enjoying the entertainment in the aisles, we go around the multimedia room to reach a little haven of peace, the Otzbzerg garden. The latter owes its name to its twinning with the German city of the same name.
The bucolic green space brings together fitness trails with fitness machines, a children's play area and a picnic area with three tables and two benches available. After eating, a nap under a tree is a must!
I like : The calm of this garden located away from the village, far from cars. And the walk along the Envigne below to extend the nature break.
Things to see and do nearby: In addition to monthly fair, the visit of the conventual set (free access from 7 a.m. to 19 p.m.) is a must in Lencloitrais, as is an excursion, by bike or on foot, on The Green Line Sylvain Chavanel.
Access: free and free all year round
Otzberg Garden Rue du Gué de la Grange in The cloister
3
At the water's edge, at the Guillonnerie area of Vicq-sur-Gartempe
It is in this enchanting place that locals like to meet for the threshing festival or the garage sale flea market (next edition on October 3, 2021). In fine weather, families meet there for a break by the river, or even an impromptu swim in the white waters of the Gartempe.
In addition to picnic tables and toilets, this leisure area is equipped with a public barbecue to satisfy grilling cravings.
I like : Enjoy the XXL landscape with birdsong and the impetuous Gartempe as the soundtrack.
Things to see and do nearby: Admire the Villa of the Islands, a residence in an exceptional Art Nouveau style for a town far from the coast and urban centers. I also invite you to meet and exchange with artisans like Adrien Boulmer the cutler and Catherine Pigeonnat at the head of Serenity Biscuits.
Access: free and free all year round
La Guillonnerie in Vicq-sur-gartempe. At the end of the bridge, next to the campsite
4
At the beach, at Crémault de Bonneuil-Matours park
This leisure area on the banks of Vienne offers many activities and services: mini-golf, table tennis, volleyball, badminton, children's games, pétanque, skatepark, zip line, WC, supervised swimming and camping in high season...
What a joy to sit on one of the picnic tables in the shade of the birch trees! Facing the beach, the observation post is perfect. It floats here like a permanent holiday air.
I like : Immerse yourself in a book while Arthur builds sandcastles and Hugo alternates stand-up paddle and canoe on the river with his father.
Things to see and do nearby: Discover the remarkable heritage of the village (Romanesque church, suspension bridge, castles, etc.) and observe the fauna and flora at the Pinail Nature Reserve neighbor.
Access: free and free all year round
Parc de Crémault 8, stadium alley in Bonneuil-Matours
5
At the edge of the forest, at Lake Châtellerault
A green oasis at the edge of the city. The promenade around the lake, magical in all seasons, brings serenity and tranquility. Arthur can spend hours watching ducks swim and naming the 60 species in the arboretum. The less contemplative will head towards the city stadium, the beach, the bowling alley or the playground.
Tables and benches are arranged around the body of water. However, our ritual guides us to those installed at the entrance to the 532 hectare forest.
I like : Disconnect from everyday life in this large space and the proximity of the state forest managed by the ONF.
Things to see and do nearby: In the woods, follow the marked fitness trail (4, 6 or 12 km) or the hiking trails.
Just a few kilometers away, I advise you to visit the Old Poitiers site. The remains of this vast Gallo-Roman theater are impressive (open Sundays in September from 14 p.m. to 18 p.m.).
Access: free and free all year round
The forest lake Rue Aliénor d’Aquitaine in Châtellerault
AND ALSO
Angles-sur-l’anglin for the breathtaking panorama of the fortress and the valley, the Forclan point in Cenon-sur-Vienne with a view of the mini port (see photo below), near the wash house Leigné-les-Bois, Les Prés de la Fontaine in Archigny, the picnic areas of Oyre et antran, the body of water Sausage...
IN MY PICNIC LOCAVORE BASKET
→ melon IGP Haut-Poitou
→ stuffed poitevin
→ goat cheese
→ cheesecake
→ ground from Poitou
→ artisanal apple juice
→ Haut-Poitou wine
Tip: The tourist offices of Grand Châtellerault all have a corner Local shop to allow you to stock up on local products.
To each their own setting, to each their own menu!
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