Liglet between river valleys, walking trails and heritage

River valleys and wetlands

Liglet is a suitable destination if you want to explore landscapes, walking trails and rural heritage together. The landscape includes rolling or wooded plains, bocage hedgerows and the valleys of the Benaize and the Corcheron. The Benaize flows through Liglet from north to south; its slopes are sometimes steep and mostly wooded. River courses, valley slopes and hedgerow landscapes give the area a varied character.

The wetlands in the Corcheron Valley provide a habitat for European pond turtles, yellow-bellied toads and great crested newts. There are also ten bat species. The Corcheron is home to a Type II ZNIEFF and is part of the European Natura 2000 network. The Sources du Glandon is a natural spring, or water outlet, in the forest. Former waterworks and an interpretive trail are also part of the site. In Liglet, river valleys and wetlands are therefore complemented by traces of past water use.

Walking trails of varying lengths

The “Voyage entre Poitou et Berry” interpretive trail starts in Jemelle and has three options: a 3.5 km loop, a 5 km loop or the full 8.5 km route. Seven information panels line the trails. The trails are accessible and partly follow walking paths created by the Communauté de communes Vienne et Gartempe. With three different lengths, you can choose the distance that suits your outing.

A longer option is “Par les Pâtureaux boucle n°1”: this challenging 22.2 km circular hike runs from La Trimouille to Liglet along the Benaize Valley. Compared with the three options on the interpretive trail, it is the longest route mentioned here and is also rated challenging. For this hike, you can park in Liglet town centre and follow the signposted trail east. Check the signs on site before setting off.

Dovecotes and history

Liglet has five dovecotes; the most notable is in Courtevraud. The detached, round building probably dates from the 15th century and has 946 nesting holes. Its circular shape and precisely stated number of openings give the structure a distinctive architectural profile within the area’s rural heritage.

The history of religious sites can also be traced through specific dates. The priory of Marcilly was mentioned in 1093 and was under the authority of Saint-Savin Abbey. The church of Saint-Hilaire was also first mentioned in 1093; in 1102, the Bishop of Poitiers transferred it to Saint-Savin Abbey. The shared date links the early references, while the 1102 transfer marks another historical milestone for Saint-Hilaire.

A rural, agricultural character

Alongside its landscapes and buildings, agriculture is also part of Liglet’s character. Local producers favour short supply chains and produce meat, milk, cheese, vegetables and rabbit. This range adds a glimpse of local production and the destination’s rural character to its natural and cultural attractions.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Clair, Vouillé, Lencloître, Charroux, La Roche-Posay, Saint-Savin, Berrie, Lusignan.

For the broader travel overview: Vienne.