Payré: Nature, Mills and Heritage

Payré brings together a riverside landscape, walking trails, a history of mills and traces of the past. The Les Iles de Payré nature area lies on the Dive and covers 22 hectares, including 8 hectares of ponds and canals. There is also a fitness trail, fishing opportunities and a Terra Aventura treasure hunt. The Moulin de Preuillé and the Church of Saint-Hilaire are also part of the area’s local heritage. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Payré, you can choose what to explore based on your interests: time by the water, outdoor activities, heritage or a visit arranged in advance.

Nature along the Dive and activities at Les Iles

The free outdoor fitness trail has 14 exercise stations and is for people aged 14 and over. Fishing at Les Iles de Payré is possible with a valid river fishing permit. The Terra Aventura treasure hunt “L’Odyssée de la Grand’Goule” also takes place at Les Iles. The trail and fishing therefore have different conditions: an age limit applies to the trail, while fishing requires a river fishing permit.

Walking trails and river valleys

Walking trails from Les Iles de Payré lead into the Civraisien en Poitou. One named route is the Sentier Rivières et Moulins. It follows, in part, the valleys of the Dive and Bouleure, shaped by mills, and passes the Les Iles de Payré leisure area. Along the way, it passes, among other places, the church of Voulon, the Guron mill, the Fontou wash-house fountain, the former footbridge, and the chapel and fountain of Voulon. In the municipality of Voulon, the Dive and Bouleure meet the Clain. The sections through the valleys and the named stops bring together riverside scenery and heritage along this route.

Mills and history in Payré

The Moulin de Preuillé is an old mill whose history goes back well before the 15th century. One specific detail brings its former use to life: the canal runs beneath the barn door, under which the mill wheel once turned. Visits are possible only with a guided tour and by prior arrangement. At the Église Saint-Hilaire in Payré, there is a processional banner depicting Saint Hilary in a rare way. Marcel Renault is also linked to the town’s history: he died in Payré on 26 May 1903 from injuries sustained in an accident during the 1903 Paris–Madrid race. These connections point to different aspects of local history: milling, religious imagery and a motor race.

Honey from Payré

Le Rucher de la Sapée adds honey production and a possible visit to the local attractions. The family-run business in Payré produces honey and pollen. Its range includes spring, summer, chestnut, acacia, buckwheat, alder buckthorn and heather honey; the selection may change. A free guided honey tasting is available by prior arrangement. Book in advance and ask about the current selection if you would like to pair the tasting with a particular variety.

For planning your day, note the different conditions: the fitness trail has an age limit, fishing requires a valid river fishing permit, and visits to the Moulin de Preuillé and honey tastings require advance booking. Confirm the dates for these two visits in advance.

Discover more destinations: Availles-Limouzine, Vouillé, Aubière, Sammarçolles, Thurageau, Vouneuil-Sur-Vienne, Savigny-Sous-Faye, Bournand

For the broader travel overview: Vienne.