Oak leaves playing hide-and-seek with the sun, a satiated cormorant gurgling above the pond, a playful river tickling the foot of the cliff... Generous and authentic, Grand Châtellerault offers remarkable natural spaces and preserved ecosystems.
Plateaus, valleys, vineyards, cliffs, hills… Open your eyes wide! All the viewpoints are in nature…
Meeting with the Natural Spaces Conservatory
Expert's voice
Laure Boniakowski is in charge of a mission at Conservatory of Natural Spaces of New Aquitaine.
This association, which serves biodiversity, has already acquired 900 hectares in the Vienne department in order to protect them in the long term.
This is for example the case of The Écotière Gravel Pit in BellefondsLaure explains to me that the Aven'Curieux are welcome to enjoy the tranquility of this old sandpit, fish or even take up position at the ornithological observatory.
« Grand Châtellerault is rich in several landscape units ", Laure explains to me. To the northwest, on the left bank of the Vienne, the tuffeau region and its white stones come in continuity with the Loire Valley. Three rivers, the Envigne, the Mâble and the Veude, feed fertile agricultural land.
« On the right bank of the Vienne River, there are moorland areas with many crops and wooded areas. There are also bocage landscapes, particularly around Chenevelles and Archigny. ", continues the CEN employee.
Finally there are the valleys. The Vienne, a river still endowed with a natural dynamic with rather wild moving islands, proves to be a true oasis of tranquility for the kingfisher, the beaver, migratory fish."
The Vienne Valley is also characterized by alluvial woodlands and wet meadows which are particularly favored by the Guinea Fowl Fritillary, also known as the Wild Tulip.
Linked by many common points, the valleys of Anglin, Gartempe and Creuse present steep, intimate landscapes, framed by wooded hillsides. Within a relatively small perimeter, these three valleys offer a great wealth of flora and fauna (butterflies, bats, etc.) as well as a diversity of landscapes. Along the small meanders that have carved out the rock, verticalities are asserted with cliffs and sheer drops, such as at Angles-sur-l'Anglin or Saint-Rémy-sur-Creuse.
Biodiversity Paradise
The Pinail nature reserve
This heather moorland riddled with thousands of ponds is a truly exceptional site in France (national reserve) and in the world (Ramsar label) ! The reserve also consists of peat bogs, wet meadows, reed beds, dry grassland, temporary stream, and wooded edges.
Managed by the GEREPI association, this jewel of natural heritage has transformed into a veritable mosaic of habitats, home to rare and varied flora, fungi, and fauna. Dragonfly and frog lovers, take note!
In Vouneuil-sur-Vienne, the discovery of the Pinail reserve is done along a two-kilometer trail, with free access. Duration: approximately 2 hours.
By reservation: guided or thematic tours, “The Little Explorer of Pinail” kit
Event: Mares Festival on the 1ster June 2025
A classified treasure
Angles-sur-l'Anglin and its valley
Here, the limestone cliffs carved by the river reinforce the picturesque side of the valley, while recalling the force of the water that sculpted it. The phenomenon of outcropping rock has generated a particular vegetation, lawns with a strong floral diversity. Butterflies and bats have a great time in this Natura 2000 zone, registered and classified as a natural site and monument.
To be discovered on foot, by bike, by horse-drawn carriage, or even by canoe to have another point of view when arriving by water. The icing on the cake: the lower town and the upper town of Angles-sur-l'Anglin unite to make the well-deserved classification of " Most beautiful villages in France ».
Unusual witnesses of History
The troglodytes of Saint-Rémy-sur-Creuse
The village of Saint-Rémy-sur-Creuse is dominated by an imposing tuffeau cliff, the result of the dynamics of the Creuse River, which has since moved away from the hillside. In the face of this cliff, troglodyte dwellings, dug by man over the centuries, are revealed. A landscape to admire when approaching from the south, between the village below and the forest overlooking the hillside. At the foot of the cliff, a path leads to the houses, some of which are still occupied, offering a beautiful panoramic view of the Creuse Valley.
The geocaching trail Terra Aventura “The Witch of the Troglodytes” allows you to discover this intriguing site in a fun way.
Eden of preserved nature
The Ozon Valley
In this little corner of the countryside, the natural beauty has been preserved. A watercourse in good ecological condition and rich in trout, the Ozon winds between the valleys of Chenevelles, Monthoiron, and Archigny. Amidst meadows, hedges, and beautiful trees, walkers can recharge their batteries, while athletes enjoy the hilly trails. A great breath of fresh air!
Lands to explore by setting off on hiking trails:
In Chenevelles, circuit no. 13 The Ozon Valley (14 km – 3h45)
In Monthoiron, circuit no. 34 The Deer Trail (12,5 km – 3h20)
In Archigny, circuit no. 5 The Little Supper (12 km – 3h15)
Grand Châtellerault, a multifaceted nature destination for the Aven'Curious in search of tranquility and disconnection. The scene is set.
