Le Beugnon: Springs, Routes and History

Le Beugnon is the source of two rivers: the Thouet and the Sèvre Nantaise rise here. Water, routes and local history offer different starting points for planning a trip. You can choose between a circular walking route and a longer cycling loop, or explore the area’s natural and cultural themes. This allows you to tailor your stay to your interests without treating the different routes as if they were the same.

Hiking Trails and Cycling Loop

The “Aux sources du Thouet” circular route starts at the church square. It is 11 kilometres long, takes about three hours and is marked in yellow. Check the markings on site before setting off. Along the route, you will reach the Grotte Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes. You can also discover the former Gallo-Roman route known locally as the “chemin des Chaussées”. The name refers to a historic trace that is part of the character of this route.

The mode of transport is also a clear point of difference when choosing between the routes: in addition to the hiking trail, the commune has the 33-kilometre “Le Grand Pignon” cycling loop. Check its current conditions before setting off. This means that a walking loop with an approximate duration and a much longer cycling route are available as distinct options.

Springs, Landscape and Nature

The valley of the Fontaine au Loup stream is another landscape feature described here. It is included in the “Le Beugnon – Le ruisseau de la Fontaine au Loup” hiking trail. This trail is distinct from “Aux sources du Thouet”: the names refer to different routes and landscape features.

The area around the sources of the Thouet is designated an “Espace Naturel Sensible” (Sensitive Natural Area). Protecting the springs makes it possible to observe the ecosystem there. For travellers who want to focus on nature and water, this designation provides a specific point of reference: it connects the springs with the protection of the landscape. As visiting conditions may change, check the latest information before your visit.

Church History and Geological Features

The Church of Saint-Maurice replaced an earlier church that stood above the Fontaine de la Louve on a rocky escarpment. This local history adds a story of architectural change to the hiking trails’ themes. Those interested in the landscape will also find a geological point of interest nearby: Rocher Chardon is made of rhyolite. When crushed, the rock breaks down into talc-like dust.

Near the hamlet of Château Chardon, wheel ruts remain, interpreted as having been worn by the Romans. This offers another historical perspective, distinct from the history of the church. An interpretation site called “Beniña onda, clle dau sources” also explains how the beneficial springs of the Gâtine are formed. Together, these places and themes offer different perspectives on Le Beugnon: the source of two rivers, protected nature, geological features and traces of the past.

For the broader travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.