Augé: Heritage, Saint-Grégoire Church and Trails

Augé lies in a hilly landscape and is clustered around a fortified Romanesque church. Terraced gardens step down the slopes. Several specific themes can help you plan your trip: architecture and Protestant history, walking trails, or a visit during the Foire au vin chaud in January. If you are looking for a hotel in Augé, these local attractions and activities can provide a helpful framework for your stay.

Saint-Grégoire and the history of the town

Saint-Grégoire Church is partly classified as a Monument historique and partly listed as a Monument historique. The corresponding designations date from 7 December 1914 and 22 October 2003. Its architecture combines different periods: most of the church probably dates from the 11th century, while its choirs are thought to be of the Angevin Gothic type, dating from the 13th century. These dates should therefore not be taken as certain construction dates.

Opposite the church stands the oldest house in Augé, a Renaissance building. The town also has historic houses from the 16th and 18th centuries. A former Protestant temple and numerous family cemeteries associated with the Protestant history of the Sèvre niortaise valley complete the picture. The former tram station can still be seen above the valley; it is now a residence.

Walking trails with different highlights

The “Les Vallées du Tram” circular trail starts in Augé, is 12 km long and is rated moderate. For navigation, you can export GPX or KML files to a GPS device or another navigation device. As route details may change, it is best to check the information before setting out. The distance and rating provide a clear framework for planning your day on this circular trail.

Another walking and hiking trail follows the Ligueure stream, passing numerous washhouses and mills before reaching the Chambon River. The trails therefore offer different highlights: “Les Vallées du Tram” is a 12 km circular route with a stated difficulty rating, while the trail along the Ligueure follows a stream, washhouses and mills all the way to the Chambon.

A shorter treasure hunt in the town centre

The Tèrra-Aventura treasure hunt “On ira tous en Acadie” is 1.5 km long and takes about an hour. It leads through the town centre’s flower-filled lanes. The route’s theme draws on the story of pioneers from Poitou who moved to Canada in the 17th century to settle there. Compared with the 12 km circular trail, the treasure hunt is much shorter, while offering its own historical narrative. Check the activity’s current availability before your visit.

Foire au vin chaud in January

The Foire au vin chaud in Augé takes place every year in January. If you are planning a visit around the event, it is a good idea to check the specific dates and programme, as both may vary. Its recorded history goes back to medieval rules: the lord of the manor could authorize the sale of wine from his domain, but reserved the exclusive right to sell his own wine for 40 days after the grape harvest. This origin story is distinct from the event’s present-day timing and describes historical sales rules, not the current programme.

Whether you plan your visit around Saint-Grégoire Church, the houses, the trails or the January event, these highlights offer different ways to get to know Augé and shape your stay accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Fontenille-Saint-Martin-d'Entraigues, Azay-le-Brûlé, Vouillé, Combrand, Puihardy, Vasles, Saint-Loup-Lamairé, Le Retail

For the wider travel guide: Deux-Sèvres.