Antigny: Walking Trails, Grotto and Cinema

Two circular walking trails start in Antigny and give your trip planning a concrete framework: they differ in length and route. One of the trails leads to the restored Grotto of Notre Dame de la Salette. In addition, you’ll find the Aire de loisirs du Pont in the town centre; the Espace Ben-Hur is a venue for the Balad’Image cinema circuit. This gives you a choice of different activities, including walks, a leisure area and a regional film programme.

Walking: two circular trails in Antigny

The “Circuit pédestre le sentier de l’Ancienne Ligne” circular walking trail starts in Antigny and is a 12.6 km loop. Its hilly route goes from village to village through Antigny and to the restored Grotto of Notre Dame de la Salette. The trail is marked in yellow and is walked clockwise. As trail conditions can change and the markings should be confirmed locally, check the current route and signage before setting out.

The “Circuit pédestre le sentier de la Vallée de la Mère” circular walking trail also starts in Antigny; it is 14.6 km long. Part of the route follows the GR de Mélusine. The trail offers varied rural landscapes and can be shortened to a 10.5 km loop called “Sentier de la Grotte.” As details about this alternative may change, check the current route before your walk.

To choose based on distance and trail character, you can compare the two loops directly: the main loops are 12.6 and 14.6 km long, with the Vallée de la Mère also offering a 10.5 km alternative. The Ancienne Ligne follows a hilly route from village to village and leads to the grotto; the Vallée de la Mère is characterised by its varied rural landscapes and the section that follows the GR de Mélusine. The name “Sentier de la Grotte” refers to the shorter alternative to the Vallée de la Mère.

Landscape and regional setting

The walking trails are not Antigny’s only connection to the landscape: the southernmost part of the municipality lies within the listed area “Ensemble formé par la petite ville de Vouvant et la vallée de la Mère.” The Grotto of Notre Dame de la Salette is a restored landmark along the Ancienne Ligne route.

Leisure area and cinema

The Aire de loisirs du Pont is in the town centre. Its facilities include seven shaded tables, a landscaped park, boules and toilets; fishing may also be possible there. Unlike the circular walking trails, which are several kilometres long, this leisure area is in the centre and offers another option for planning your day. Facilities may change; check their current status before your visit if needed.

The travelling Balad’Image cinema circuit screens more than 100 films and holds 150 screenings each year in the Pays de La Châtaigneraie. In Antigny, the Espace Ben-Hur is one of the circuit’s venues. If you’d like to plan a screening into your trip, check the programme and dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Réaumur, Bournezeau, Les Essarts, L'epine, Coëx, Saint-Denis-du-Payré, Les Châtelliers-Châteaumur, Nalliers.

For the broader travel overview: Vendée.