Taugon: Church, Canals and Nature

When planning a trip to Taugon, you can choose from several different focuses: the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste on the main square, nature activities, canals and circular walking routes. This lets you focus on architecture, nature or paths by the water. The activities vary in form—from views of a monumental altarpiece to excursions and signposted routes.

The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste

The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste stands on the main square, at the highest point in the village. Its broad façade is designed in the Neo-Romanesque style. The church can be viewed from outside all year round. The sanctuary contains a monumental 18th-century altarpiece, with wooden statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, as well as a Pietà bas-relief. An altarpiece is a structure placed behind the altar that can incorporate sculptural and pictorial elements, among others.

This distinguishes the exterior view from the details described inside the sanctuary: the façade can be viewed from outside, while the altarpiece and its figures are part of the sanctuary’s furnishings. The architecture and individual works of art offer different points of interest if you are interested in the church.

Nature Activities and Waterways

The Pôle d’éducation à l’environnement in Taugon offers full-day or half-day excursions on its ten-hectare nature site. Workshops cover the sensory discovery of the Marais Poitevin, animal life and rural landscapes. Choosing between a half-day and a full day gives you a specific timeframe for planning. Check reservations and program availability before you travel.

The Pôle Nature du Marais Poitevin is located at the entrance to the Parc naturel régional du Marais poitevin and is one of the Charente’s nature sites classified as “Échappées Nature.” You can explore the area by canoe along its canals. The Pôle also has paths and picnic areas where you can observe the local flora and fauna. Canoeing, walking paths and picnic areas therefore offer different ways to experience the canals and nature of the area.

Circular Walking Routes in Taugon

The “Circuit randonnée - au coeur du Marais” circular walking route begins at the discovery trail behind the Échappée Nature building and crosses a canal via a footbridge. After 2.5 kilometres along a marsh road, the route reaches the Sèvre. It then follows the private dyke that encloses the Marais de Taugon. At Les Combrands, this circular route runs alongside the Canal de la Route d’Eau and leads to a hill with a view over the water.

Another route, the “Circuit randonnée - le canal de la route d'eau,” runs along canals. Along the way, you may be able to observe the remarkable biodiversity of the Marais Poitevin. Les Combrands is also a good place for a walk by the water.

The route descriptions emphasize different features: the au coeur du Marais circular route mentions, among other things, the footbridge, private dyke and viewpoint; the Canal de la route d'eau route focuses on the canals and the possibility of observing nature. This lets you compare the described features of the routes with your interests without assuming a walking time or total distance.

Discover more destinations: Soubise, Sainte-Gemme, Chenac-Saint-Seurin-D'uzet, Fontcouverte, Hiers-Brouage, Talmont, Saint-Genis-De-Saintonge, Vert-Bois.

For the wider travel overview: Charente-Maritime.