Discover Neuvy-Bouin

Neuvy-Bouin offers several different themes to help you plan your trip: geological heritage, nature and places by the water. The granite boulders of La Garrelière and the Bois de l’Ermite, the sources of the Sèvre Nantaise, the municipal pond and the GAÏA natural area all shape this picture. Depending on what you want to focus on during your stay, geological formations, a walk or a break by the water can take centre stage.

Granite boulders and geological heritage

The boulders at La Garrelière in Neuvy-Bouin are among the granite tors of the Gâtine poitevine. La Garrelière is included in France’s national inventory of geological heritage. The granite boulders are classified as natural monuments and sites because of their geomorphological interest and their setting within the agricultural landscape. Their significance can therefore be understood both through the shape of the landscape and their designation as geological heritage.

Another geological highlight is the Bois de l’Ermite. In a valley there is a cluster of ovoid granite boulders, through which a tributary of the Mare aux Canes stream flows. One of the distinctive formations is a rocking stone. The upper surfaces and sides of some boulders also feature numerous small-scale formations, including weathering pits and grooves. The geological interest thus ranges from the large, rounded-oval boulders to the smaller structures on individual rock surfaces. La Garrelière and the Bois de l’Ermite offer different highlights: at La Garrelière, the focus is on the designation and classification of the granite heritage, while at the Bois de l’Ermite it is on the variety of boulders and small-scale formations.

Sources of the Sèvre Nantaise

The sources of the Sèvre Nantaise are also part of the local geography. They lie partly in Neuvy-Bouin and partly in Le Beugnon, on a ridge at an altitude of 215 metres. One of the two sources is at the hamlet of Les Gâts in Neuvy-Bouin. This source is on private property and is not accessible to visitors. This distinction is important when planning your trip: the sources form part of the geographical context of the Sèvre Nantaise, but the source site at Les Gâts is not a visitor destination.

A break at the municipal pond

The municipal pond offers a different focus from the geological sites. It is a good place for a picnic or to enjoy some relaxing time by the water. There is a shelter for rainy days, and the pond also has a play area. The emphasis here is on opportunities to take a break outdoors: picnicking, spending time by the water and the play area shape the experience at the pond. This sets it apart from La Garrelière and the Bois de l’Ermite, where the granite landscape is the main attraction.

Walking trail and GAÏA natural area

The GAÏA natural area offers a 5 km walking trail. The Forêt de Gaïa is a 10-hectare site close to the centre of Neuvy-Bouin and near a Greenway. A biodiversity area is being developed on the site. The walking trail and biodiversity area are two distinct features: the trail has a specific length, while the biodiversity area is still being developed. Its location close to the town centre and a Greenway also helps situate GAÏA among Neuvy-Bouin’s nature attractions described here.

Discover more destinations: Bessines, Pers, Germond-Rouvre, La Guérinière, Melle, Saint-Jouin-de-Marnes, Oiron, Moutiers-Sous-Chantemerle.

For the broader travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.