Discover Moncoutant: Pescalis, nature and railway history

Moncoutant offers several distinct highlights to consider when planning a trip: the freshwater world of Pescalis, routes for walking and cycling, leisure activities and railway history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Moncoutant, you can start by considering which of these themes you want to shape your trip.

Nature and routes around Pescalis

Pescalis is a 150-hectare area of protected nature dedicated to freshwater environments. The Sentier des étangs de Pescalis has birdwatching hides and a ford. From there, you can watch the birds that take refuge at Étang des Chirons. Conditions at the ford may vary.

The trail also includes an orienteering course. So, alongside birdwatching, the nature experience includes an activity focused on navigation. The Voie Verte is a separate route: it is reserved exclusively for non-motorised travel, such as walking and cycling, and Moncoutant is one of the route’s starting points. While Pescalis is described in terms of ponds, birds and observation spots, the Voie Verte focuses on its use by walkers and cyclists.

Leisure activities with different highlights

The “Oh la belle prise!” Tèrra-Aventura treasure hunt in Pescalis uses a free smartphone app. Clues and riddles lead to a treasure and the Poï’z “Zeïdon”. The route is listed as taking two hours and covering four kilometres; it is accessible by bicycle. This gives you the duration and distance to factor into your plans. App content and access arrangements may change.

The Mini-Golf de Pescalis has nine holes and is right next to the Pescalis playground and table tennis table. For the treasure hunt, the specific points of reference are its duration and distance; for mini golf, they are the number of holes and its immediate proximity to the other two activities. This makes it possible to compare different activities using the information available for each, without treating them as the same kind of course.

Pescalis also offers sport fishing on a catch-and-release basis for predatory fish, carp, white fish and sturgeon. If you’d like to include this activity in your plans, check its availability before travelling.

Pescalis offers both self-guided and guided visits. As the visitor service may change seasonally, check in advance which type of visit is available for your dates.

Railway history and farmers’ market

The railway is also part of Moncoutant’s history. The historic line ran for 4,720.50 metres through the commune. The station was built during the railway’s construction, along with other buildings required to operate steam locomotives. The line, station and operational buildings thus represent different aspects of the same railway history: its route through the commune and the infrastructure needed for steam operations.

Another place to consider when planning your trip is the farmers’ market in Moncoutant’s church square. It takes place all year round. As details of recurring markets may change, check the current date if you want to plan your visit around the market.

The market adds a regular event in town to this selection. You can take into account which of these themes matter most to you when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Scillé, Crézières, Paizay-Le-Tort, L'absie, Saint-Pardoux, Secondigny, Mazières-en-Gâtine, Rom

For the wider travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.