Secondigny

Get to know Secondigny through its forest trails, apple culture and historic buildings. The Forêt de Secondigny offers botanical interpretation and discovery trails; the Église Sainte-Eulalie brings together several phases of construction and a distinctive bell tower. Pomm’Expo also adds a recurring event to the calendar each October. Which of these themes shapes your stay can help you choose your travel dates.

Forest and signposted trails

The Forêt domaniale de Secondigny covers just under 430 hectares and lies almost 250 metres above its surroundings. A botanical interpretation trail starts at the Maison forestière car park and follows a 4.5-kilometre loop. Along the way, it introduces the forest’s main tree species, shrubs and understorey plants, forestry techniques, and the development of the forest soils. Three other discovery trails in the Forêt de Secondigny focus on the local flora and fauna.

For a specific comparison of distances: the 4.5-kilometre botanical interpretation trail is shorter than an 11.6-kilometre route marked in blue. This route follows part of the GR 364 and passes the Moulin de Battreau. Secondigny offers marked hiking and mountain biking routes in partnership with La Marouette Gâtinaise. Take the difference in length into account when planning your route. Check current route conditions before setting out.

Lac des Effres and leisure activities

The leisure area around Lac des Effres includes fitness trails for children and adults, exercise equipment, a mini football pitch, a skatepark and a BMX cross track. Piscine Secondigny has a heated swimming pool and a heated paddling pool, as well as a slide with a run-out pool. Some facilities may change; check which ones are currently available before your visit.

A circular trail marked in green runs around the Plan d’eau des Effres and the Bois de l’Aumônerie. The woods lie right next to the Plan d’eau, where shaded paths and sunny avenues invite you to take a walk. Fishing and fishing competitions take place at Lac des Effres. As fishing rules may change, check the current regulations before fishing.

Building history and local culture

The Église Sainte-Eulalie was built in the 12th century and altered in the 13th century. Its bell tower has a square base and an octagonal upper section. The church is partially protected as a Monument historique; the protection was granted on 7 February 1929. The dates and the protected part give the church a distinctive cultural and historical significance.

Another historic building is the second covered washhouse on Rue du Bosquet. It was built on the banks of the Thouet. The church and the washhouse offer different points of interest: the church is notable for its construction phases and bell tower, while the washhouse stands at a specific riverside location.

Apple culture and Pomm’Expo

The Verger conservatoire de Secondigny includes more than 100 apple varieties, including 57 varieties of Reinettes. The apple is considered a symbol of Secondigny; the Reinette Clochard is particularly notable. The association’s year-round activities include pruning and grafting trees. If you would like to take part, check the participation requirements in advance.

Pomm’Expo has been held in Secondigny every October for more than 65 years. The nine-day programme includes a pomological exhibition and an art salon, both of which are open to the public free of charge during those nine days. If you would like to plan your trip around the event, check the specific dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Exoudun, Saint-Martin-de-Saint-Maixent, Sepvret, Le Retail, Clavé, Chizé, Granzay-Gript, Lezay.

Go to the regional travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.