Boscamnant: Hiking, mountain biking and local history

A stay in Boscamnant can be tailored to specific interests: the marked “Le Bois Charmant” circular hiking trail, the “Circuit des Trois Monts” mountain bike circuit and an equestrian rest stop offer different ways to enjoy the outdoors. Local history includes the bell of Sainte-Madeleine; the sculptural work of Raphaëlle Duval is also associated with Boscamnant.

Hiking the Le Bois Charmant circular trail

The marked “Le Bois Charmant” circular hiking trail is 12.4 kilometres long and has 162 metres of elevation gain. It leads from the church square down into the forest and over the Pont des Statues; along the way, there are panoramic views across the hillsides. The distance and elevation gain describe two different aspects of the route: the number of kilometres indicates the length of the circuit, while the elevation gain adds information about the climb. This gives you more than just the distance when planning a day’s hike as part of your stay. The trail is freely accessible and parking is available.

Mountain biking on hilly forest trails

Mountain bike circuit no. 23, “Circuit des Trois Monts”, is a different kind of route: it is 42 kilometres long, follows hilly trails through the Double Saintongeaise forest and is intended for experienced mountain bikers. At 42 kilometres, it is considerably longer than the hiking trail’s 12.4 kilometres. The required experience level is also explicitly stated. You can therefore compare the activities for planning purposes by type of transport, route length and stated target group.

A rest stop for horseback rides

An equestrian rest stop in Boscamnant is located at the edge of the village, near the church. It serves as a place to take a break during horseback rides in the Double Saintongeaise forest. Its facilities include a 20-square-metre shelter, hitching rails for horses and a picnic table. Together, its location, purpose and facilities give a clear picture of the stop: it is near the village and is described as a rest point for rides in the forest. It complements the hiking and mountain biking activities with another way to experience the landscape on horseback.

Bell and sculpture

The bell of Sainte-Madeleine Church has been protected as a historic object since 1976. It comes from the Romanesque church in Cressac. Its origin and protected status provide two specific details about the object’s history: the bell has a known place of origin, and its historic designation applies to the bell as an object.

Another cultural highlight is the work of Raphaëlle Duval. She creates personal sculptures and commissioned works in Boscamnant, using stone from Haims, Crazannes and Thénac. The named places of origin make the materials used more tangible; the personal sculptures and commissioned works also represent two distinct forms of her practice. Alongside the historic bell, contemporary sculpture and its materials are also part of the picture.

Landscape setting

The landscape context extends beyond individual destinations: the entire commune of Boscamnant lies in the transition zone of the Bassin de la Dordogne. This geographical context adds a broader setting for your stay to the specific details about forest trails and hillsides.

Discover more destinations: Tonnay-Charente, Saint-Bris-Des-Bois, Contré, La Genétouze, Brie-sous-Mortagne, Dirée, Tesson, Loiré-Sur-Nie.

For the broader travel guide: Charente-Maritime.