Bignoux: Forest, Trails and Architectural History

There are several different ways to explore Bignoux: the adjoining Forêt domaniale de Moulière, a local route, historic buildings and activities offered by local associations. The route has separate estimated times for mountain biking and walking; association activities may depend on a fixed date, a reservation or the weather. These distinctions give you specific information to help plan your visit.

Forest and Route 34A

Bignoux borders the Forêt domaniale de Moulière. The forest is known for its many natural areas and trails. Around 50 percent of the municipality is forested. In total, 715 hectares are forest, including 289 hectares of the Forêt de Moulière. This means the municipality combines its immediate proximity to the forest with a substantial wooded area of its own.

Route 34A, “La cloche perdue,” in Bignoux is 10 to 15 kilometres long. The estimated duration varies depending on how you travel: allow 1 to 2 hours by mountain bike and 2 to 3 hours on foot. This gives you two separate time estimates for the same route, rather than a single timeframe.

Church and Historic Buildings

The medieval Church of Saint-Hilaire in Bignoux was destroyed during the French Revolution. The present building dates from the last quarter of the 19th century. On the current building, the portal bell tower is the only part made of dressed stone; all the other exterior walls are made of rubble masonry covered with render.

Bignoux’s historic buildings also include the Logis de Château Fromage and the Manoir de la Grande Foye. The Logis dates from the 11th century and the Manoir from the 13th century. Both dates are considerably earlier than that of the present church building and provide further historical reference points for the municipality.

Associations and Activities

The Témoignage et transmission du patrimoine bignolais association holds an annual exhibition on local life. The documents it has collected can be viewed in the local heritage room. The association’s programme thus combines a recurring exhibition with the opportunity to consult the collected documents in person.

Every year on 11 November, the same association holds a volunteer-organised Poule-au-Pot meal. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the details for that year’s event in advance.

The Xtrem Nature Paintball Club offers paintball in Bignoux every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year, as well as on weekdays by prior reservation. The club’s site is set in a one-hectare forest and equipped with wooden structures. Check availability before travelling.

Esprit Archerie offers outdoor field archery and 3D archery when weather conditions are suitable. The activity is seasonal and weather-dependent; check in advance whether it is available during your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Gizay, Thollet, Haims, Saint-Pierre-De-Maillé, Lavausseau, Romagne, Le Vigeant, Dienné

For the regional travel overview: Vienne.