Genouillé takes you from a very early settlement history to a church built in several phases, and on to walking trails with their own character. For planning, the length and duration of the Circuit Genouillé les Terres Hautes, as well as the nature-trail option Circuit Genouillé les Marais, are particularly useful. Fishing, walks and other outings are also available at the Étang des Rosées.
Early Local History and the Notre-Dame Church
The “Vigne des Agers” site has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. The Notre-Dame Church in Genouillé dates from a much later period: it was built in the 12th century. The nave and façade date from the 12th century, while the choir dates from the 14th century. The different construction phases can thus be distinguished in a single building.
The façade is topped by a large, unadorned gable. Below it are two tiers of Romanesque arcades with pointed arches; the portal has several sculpted archivolts. These arched frames around the portal give the façade a clearly articulated form. The church has been listed as a Historic Monument since May 30, 1913. Visitors interested in architecture will find details on the façade as well as evidence of the different construction periods of the nave, façade and choir.
Two Walking Trails, Different Highlights
The Circuit Genouillé les Terres Hautes walking trail starts in Genouillé and is 15.5 kilometres long in total. It is listed as taking 1 hour and 55 minutes both on foot and by road bicycle. The route offers beautiful views over the Charrière and Devise valleys. It also takes you to discover the landscaped grounds at the Étang des Rosées.
The Circuit Genouillé les Marais has a different focus: it is a nature trail where you may be able to observe the flora and fauna of the marsh. The two walking trails can be combined. You can choose between the views and specific distance details of the Terres Hautes route and the nature-trail character of the Marais route, or combine both routes. The trail information helps you weigh up their different highlights and the time required for your outings.
At the Étang des Rosées
The Étang des Rosées is a municipal pond covering 4 hectares. Trout, carp, bream and roach are caught in the pond. The Circuit Genouillé les Terres Hautes also takes visitors to discover the landscaped grounds at the Étang, making the pond a useful point of reference when planning your routes.
The Étang des Rosées is suitable for family outings, with fishing, a playground, walks around the pond and on-site food and drink options. Individual offerings may change, so check what is available at your preferred time before visiting. Walking, fishing and the playground are different activities at the same destination, while the Circuit Genouillé les Marais nature trail offers another option for observing the marsh.
For a trip focused on architectural history, the “Vigne des Agers” site and Notre-Dame Church are the main attractions. If you would rather spend time on trails, you can choose between the two routes according to their respective highlights. The Étang des Rosées adds a pond, fishing opportunities and family-outing facilities to the choices.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Séverin-sur-Boutonne, Montendre, Pessines, Thairé, Aulnay, Ars-En-Ré, Sonnac, Chantemerle-Sur-La-Soie
For the broader travel overview: Charente-Maritime.
