The best hikes from bus stations around Lac De La Touche Poupard
4.4
(81)
439
hikers
11
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Lac De La Touche Poupard are characterized by diverse landscapes, including the significant Touche Poupard dam and its two distinct bodies of water: a reservoir and the "Plan d'eau du Soleil levant." The region features a mix of lush forests, rolling hills, and the Chambon river, an affluent of the Sèvre Niortaise. Hikers can expect varied terrain with opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. The area offers an extensive network of signposted trails, often equipped with picnic areas and interpretive tables.
Best bus station hiking trails around Lac De La Touche Poupard
- The most popular bus station hiking route is La Touche Poupard Dam loop from Saint-Maixent-l'École, a 8.4 miles (13.5 km) trail that takes 3 hours 38 minutes to complete. This moderate route includes views of the dam and surrounding forest.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Hiking loop from Saint-Maixent-l'École, a moderate 5.0 miles (8.1 km) path. This trail offers a mix of natural scenery and is suitable for a half-day excursion.
- Local hikers also love the Le Puits d'Enfer loop from Saint-Maixent-l'École, a 9.3 miles (15.0 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 4 hours 2 minutes.
- Hiking around Lac De La Touche Poupard is defined by dam views, forest paths, and sections along the "Plan d'eau du Soleil levant." The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to more challenging moderate routes.
- The routes in Lac De La Touche Poupard are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from nearly 100 reviews. More than 500 hikers have used komoot to explore Lac De La La Touche Poupard's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4
hikers
13.5km
03:39
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
13
hikers
8.06km
02:08
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
3
hikers
3.37km
00:53
20m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
14.9km
04:02
200m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
13.7km
03:37
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Attention! Following a fire on July 8, 2026, the site will certainly be closed this weekend.
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A natural gem to discover! The Puits d’Enfer (Hell's Well) is an impressive site, ideal for a refreshing walk in the heart of nature. The scenery is magnificent, with limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. The trail is well-maintained and accessible, perfect for an outing with family or friends. A must-see if you're in the area!
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Very nice walk in the forest with a path impassable for strollers or bicycles: lots of roots on the ground and rocks. A great tour in the forest!
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The Saint-Pardoux Church is an emblematic Romanesque building in the Dordogne region, particularly in Saint-Pardoux-et-Vielvic, and has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1925. Built in the 12th century, it retains its single barrel-vaulted nave and a choir with a semicircular apse. A major renovation carried out in the 17th-18th centuries redefined its western façade and added a bell tower arcade. 🏛️ Architecture and Heritage Plan and structure: a single nave preceded by a Romanesque choir, with a pointed barrel vault and triumphal arch resting on 13th-century engaged columns. Decoration: vegetal capitals and archivolts adorned with geometric motifs (chevrons, triangles, rays), typical of Auvergne Romanesque art. Bell tower: bell tower arcade or pediment, rebuilt in the 17th-18th centuries, typical of the Périgord region. ⛪ History Founded in the 12th century, the church was remodeled in the 13th century with the addition of side chapels and ribbed vaults. Its atypical structure—not oriented toward the east—reflects of a plan adapted to the terrain and the needs of the community
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There are even more pictures of this in the corresponding hiking highlight, see => https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/3144698
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The Touche Poupard dam is a powerful construction. From the road that runs through it, you can admire the view of the lake and the steep drop off on the other side.
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In this unique wood with a stream and its many waterfalls, a Tèrra Aventura route will allow you to enjoy running in a fun and educational way.
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For a small village, this is a large and impressive church. It is worth stopping to take a look.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many bus station hiking trails are available around Lac De La Touche Poupard?
There are 11 hiking routes accessible directly from bus stations around Lac De La Touche Poupard. These trails offer a range of difficulties, from easy strolls to more challenging excursions.
Are there easy, family-friendly bus accessible hikes in the area?
Yes, there are 4 easy routes accessible by bus, perfect for families or those seeking a relaxed walk. One such option is the 3.36 km Hiking loop from Saint-Maixent-l'École, which is a gentle introduction to the area's natural beauty.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on these bus station trails?
The trails offer diverse landscapes, including shaded forest paths, views of surrounding hills, and panoramic vistas of the impressive Touche Poupard dam and the tranquil "Plan d'eau du Soleil levant" (Lake of the Rising Sun). You'll find abundant flora and fauna, especially along routes that follow the Chambon river.
Are there any circular bus accessible walks around Lac De La Touche Poupard?
Many of the bus accessible routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the La Touche Poupard Dam loop from Saint-Maixent-l'École is a moderate 13.48 km circular hike offering great views of the dam.
What are some notable viewpoints or attractions along the bus accessible routes?
Many trails offer stunning views of the Touche Poupard dam and the "Plan d'eau du Soleil levant." The dam itself is an impressive structure, and from it, you can see both the forest landscape of the Chambon river and the vast lake. Interpretive tables along the trails provide information on the local landscape, flora, and fauna.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails accessible by bus?
While specific regulations for dogs on bus routes vary, the hiking trails themselves around Lac De La Touche Poupard are generally dog-friendly. It's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash to protect the local wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers. Please check local bus operator rules regarding pets before traveling.
What is the best time of year to hike these bus accessible trails?
The area is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant colors, while summer is ideal for enjoying the lake activities after a hike. Even in winter, the trails can be enjoyed, though some paths might be muddy. The "Clavé – Le Plan d'eau du Soleil levant" circuit is noted for its shaded sections, making it pleasant even on warmer days.
Are there any longer, more challenging bus accessible hikes?
Yes, for those seeking a longer challenge, the Le Puits d'Enfer loop from Saint-Maixent-l'École is a moderate 14.89 km route. There is also one difficult route among the 11 bus accessible options for experienced hikers.
What do other hikers say about the bus station trails around Lac De La Touche Poupard?
The komoot community rates the hiking experience around Lac De La Touche Poupard highly, with an average score of 4.3 stars from 98 ratings. Hikers often praise the diverse scenery, the tranquility of the lake, and the well-maintained paths that make exploring the region accessible.
Are there facilities like picnic areas or information points along the trails?
Yes, the extensive network of signposted hiking trails around Lac De La Touche Poupard is equipped with picnic areas and interpretive tables. These tables provide valuable information on the local landscape, flora, and fauna, enhancing your hiking experience.
Can I find a bus accessible hike that explores the dam and the lake?
Absolutely. The La Touche Poupard Dam loop from Saint-Maixent-l'École is a moderate 13.48 km route that specifically takes you around the dam, offering insights into its construction and the surrounding ecosystem, as well as views of the lake.
Most popular routes around Lac De La Touche Poupard
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