In Grand Châtellerault, the Aven'Curieux love to let their minds wander thanks to the proximity of the Vienne River. Walks on the river, bucolic breaks on the quays... Embark on a beautiful escape along the water!
Four unmissable stops along the Vienne
Long-term daydreams
1. Les Ormes
After visiting the surprising neo-Byzantine style church, take the gently sloping alleyway to its left to reach the wash house. A haven of peace awaits you below. The charming turret at the corner, rising like an exclamation point over the Vienne, belongs to the castle. From the picnic table, a splendid panorama invites you to dream. Soothing.
My advice : Visit the castle of Ormes, an 18th century architectural gem renowned for having welcomed illustrious guests: the philosophers Diderot, Voltaire and Rousseau.
Open from June 1st to September 30th every day from 14 p.m. to 18 p.m., except Tuesdays
Cruise aboard a traditional boat
2. Chatellerault
At the helm of his cabin boat Jehan MartinCaptain Desmurs captivates passengers with his fascinating anecdotes about the history of the Vienne. As you travel along the water, the change of scenery is complete and time stands still. A trip worthy of a riverboat!
From June 21 to September 5, 2025 – Guided tour or thematic tour (Local produce, sunset, sea shanties, the Vienne and its history, Chitré mill, picnic)
Boarding the factory canal – Reservation required at 06 46 13 03 97
New in 2025: A second boat, the Rocca V, will offer snacks and drinks at the quayside this summer, then dinner in the fall.
My advice : Take a walk to the director's garden, along the factory canal. On this green peninsula decorated with remarkable trees, there is a feeling of being at the end of the world.
Ride at the controls of an electric boat
3. Cenon-sur-Vienne
Meet at mini-port of Cenon-sur-Vienne for an original, peaceful, and eco-friendly activity. No license is required to cast off in an electric boat... You can sail with the wind in your hair, in complete freedom.
New: also rental of canoes, paddleboards and pedal boats
No reservation required from May 24 to September 28, 2025
In May, June and September: Saturday and Sunday from 14 p.m. to 19 p.m.
In July and August: every day from 13 a.m. to 20 p.m.
My advice : Go on a treasure hunt along the banks of the Vienne River with the free geocaching app Terra AventuraAccessible by stroller, the “Tous à la guinguette!” trail reminds us that at the end of the 19th century a steamboat transported the people of Châtelleraud to the Pointe de Forclan to dance at Mère Fradin’s.
Relaxing on the beach
4. Bonneuil-matours
Thanks to its fine sandy beach and its leisure area, Crémault Park delights vacationers looking for a free nature break. This little corner of paradise offers supervised whitewater swimming during the months of July and August.
My advice : Admire the suspension bridge, the first to use this technique in France in 1932. Eiffel-style and unique in its kind, this steel structure spans the river to connect the departmental road to the town center.
Heart stroke : Travel the Vienne by canoe
This river trip is an opportunity to explore a heritage unsuspected from dry land, to come face to face with a beaver, an otter or even a kingfisher… While paddling, the Aven'Curieux discover the banks in a different way. Contemplative and refreshing.
Where to rent the equipment?
La Fourmy Canoe – From Crémault Park in Bonneuil-Matours
CSAD Châtellerault – From the Verdun quay, at Cognet Island
Prepare your outing with the guidebook from the Vienne Canoe-Kayak Committee
Do you hear it, do you hear it The small stream on the pebbles? It passes and runs and glides And gently dedicates to the branches, Which lean over its course, Its smooth song.
