Champdolent: Saint-Pierre Church, hiking trails and Bel-Ébat lock

In Champdolent, history, hiking and activities on the water offer distinct interests for visitors. Saint-Pierre Church reflects several periods of construction and features a listed bell; the hiking trails pass through varied landscapes, and the Boutonne is home to a lock and water activities. When planning, you can decide whether you are most interested in architectural history, a hike with a clearly specified length, or fishing and watercraft.

Saint-Pierre Church and local history

Construction of Saint-Pierre Church in Champdolent began in the 11th century. Its nave and bell tower were built in the 15th century; the church has been classified as a historic monument since 1925. The bell also has its own historical details: it weighs 106 kilograms, was cast in 1655 and restored in 2018. It is also classified. The history of the building and its bell therefore spans several distinct periods.

Champdolent’s history also includes Marquis Abraham Duquesne-Guiton, lieutenant general of the navy and governor of Martinique. He retired to Champdolent in 1720, died there in 1724 and was buried in the church in Champdolent. Another chapter is the Logis de Bellébat, Champdolent’s second château: a fire destroyed it around 1838, and only the outbuildings remain.

Hikes through varied landscapes

The easy, shaded “Randonnée boisée Bords–Champdolent” hike is 14 kilometers long and intended for all audiences. It starts at Place de l’église “Marc Tranquard” and initially heads toward the bakery. Its length gives you a concrete point of reference for planning. Check local trail details and signage before setting out. At the edge of the forest along this hike, there is an orientation board and a bench. If you plan to rely on these facilities, check their condition locally before your visit.

The “Sur la route de Champfleury” hike passes through hamlets, fields and meadows crisscrossed by canals, streams and drainage ditches. The two hikes therefore offer different points of reference for choosing: one is described in terms of its length, easy terrain and shade; the other follows a route shaped by the hamlets it passes through and a landscape marked by waterways. You can make your choice based on the features that matter most to you for your hike.

The lock, fishing and watercraft

Bel-Ébat lock is on the Boutonne and is set in green, peaceful surroundings. It offers a different focus from the architectural history of Saint-Pierre or the landscapes along the hiking trails.

At Bel-Ebat, the permitted fishing areas have included the Vieille Boutonne channel and the stretches of water above the weir and lock since early 2025. Check current local regulations before fishing. At the sites by the Bel-Ebat locks in Champdolent, launch points above and below the structures make it possible to fish from small watercraft.

The launch point in Champdolent is set up for self-service launching and landing of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Check local operating conditions before use. Fishing and launching paddleboards are therefore separate options, each with its own practical requirements.

Discover more destinations: Sainte-Ramée, Saint-Trojan-Les-Bains, Saint-Martin-De-La-Coudre, Avy, Saujon, Ars-En-Ré, Talmont, Tonnay-Charente

For the broader travel overview: Charente-Maritime.