The signposted Le Bois Charmant circular trail starts at the church square in Boscamnant, descends into the forest and crosses the Pont des Statues. Along the way, it offers panoramic views over the slopes. The route combines specific landmarks with views of the landscape, making it a good starting point for exploring what the area has to offer.

Hiking the Le Bois Charmant trail

The circular route is 12.4 kilometres long and has 162 metres of positive elevation gain. The distance and elevation provide two different points of reference for planning your outing: you can compare the length of the hike and the elevation gain with the time you have available and your personal fitness level. The signposted trail starts at the church square, descends into the forest and passes over the Pont des Statues. The panoramic views over the slopes add a landscape perspective to these landmarks.

The circular trail is freely accessible, and parking is available. If you are planning the outing for a specific day, check the latest route details before setting off. This will help you factor the route information into your own plans.

A longer mountain biking circuit

Mountain biking circuit No. 23, the Circuit des Trois Monts, offers a different scale: it is 42 kilometres long, follows hilly forest trails in the Double Saintongeaise, and is intended for experienced mountain bikers. Hiking focuses on a signposted circular route and 162 metres of positive elevation gain; for mountain biking, the longer distance, hilly terrain and explicitly stated skill level are important factors to consider.

When weighing up the two activities, you can start by comparing their distances and the features specified for each. For the circular trail, the elevation gain is given alongside the 12.4-kilometre distance; the mountain biking route is 42 kilometres long and is rated for experienced riders. This makes it easier to choose the focus of your planned activity without assuming a specific walking or riding time.

A rest stop for horse rides

The equestrian station in Boscamnant is at the edge of the village near the church and serves as a rest stop for horse rides in the Double Saintongeaise forest. Its facilities include a 20-square-metre shelter, hitching rails for horses and a picnic table. Anyone planning a ride in this forest will find a clearly described stopping point with facilities for horses and a place to picnic.

Church bell and stone carving

The village's history also offers a clear point of interest: the bell of Sainte-Madeleine Church comes from the Romanesque church of Cressac. Since 1976, the bell itself has been protected as a historic monument. Its origins and protected status make it a precisely defined historical subject, distinct from the trails and outdoor activities.

Another cultural aspect is the work of Raphaëlle Duval. She creates personalised sculptures and commissions in Boscamnant, working with stone from Haims, Crazannes and Thénac. These named materials offer a concrete insight into her sculptural work and complement the history of the bell with a craft-based perspective. Together, the two subjects span the journey from a historic object to contemporary stone carving.

Regional context

The entire commune of Boscamnant lies in the transition zone of the Dordogne Basin. This geographical context adds a broader regional perspective to the specific references to the village and its routes, without suggesting that the individual activities are the same.

Discover more destinations

Clam, Saint-Coutant-le-Grand, Matha, Le Bois-Plage-En-Ré, Haimps, Saint-Seurin-de-Palenne, La Flotte-En-Re, Sablonceaux

For the broader travel guide: Charente-Maritime.