Walking route: La Héronnière - 7.4 mi

This walk will take you on a journey of discovery through the hillsides of the former Gulf of Saintonge and past some remarkable architectural heritage.
This route takes you through two towns to explore the former coastline of the Gulf of Brouage. Over time and through human activity, this gulf was transformed into salt marshes, eventually becoming the landscape of permanent grassland we see today, where the tradition of ‘white gold’ cultivation is still evident in the alternating patterns of ‘jas’ (hollows) and ‘bosses’ (ridges).

Along your route, you will see:

- The medieval market halls: During the heyday of salt harvesting in the Gulf of Saintonge, Saint-Jean-d’Angle was at once a port, a town and a castle. It was a strategic stronghold protecting a shifting front line between the English and the French. The medieval market halls bear witness to the importance of this trade. Built in the 16th century, the building has served various purposes over the years, ranging from an economic hub for fairs and markets to a venue for travelling cinema screenings.

- The European pond turtle: The Grondin pond is a good spot for spotting the European pond turtle. This species of freshwater turtle is protected due to its rarity. It lives in the water of ditches but comes ashore onto the sandy meadows to lay its eggs. The Massonne Regional Nature Reserve is a private area of exceptional biodiversity, both in terms of flora and fauna.

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