Souméras offers a range of options for a stay: ponds, a memorial trail commemorating Operation Frankton, and a horseback riding route. The ponds differ in their uses and character, while the two routes have different lengths and activities. This lets you plan around the themes that interest you most.

Ponds with Different Uses

Two ponds close to a campsite make up the Étangs de la Faïencerie. One is used for fishing, while the other is used for tourism. The two ponds have different uses. Fishing is possible at the Étang de la Faïencerie year-round, including in winter. If fishing is important to your visit, check current access arrangements in advance.

There are two more ponds in Souméras: one near La Bruyère and one south of Chez Boulle. Both have a wilder character and each contains a reed bed. Compared with the Faïencerie, the wilder character and reed beds are the main features here, while the distinguishing feature of the two Étangs de la Faïencerie ponds is their different uses. This makes it easy to distinguish the ponds by their respective character.

Memorial Trail and Horseback Riding Route

The Circuit pédestre Mémorial - Le Frankton starts in Souméras. As a memorial trail, it retraces the historical course of Operation Frankton and passes through places such as Rouffignac, Tugéras, Fontaines d'Oz, Léoville, Mortiers and Saint-Maigrin. Its total length is 39 kilometres. The places named show that the trail passes through several other villages beyond its starting point. At this length, it is best considered a hike in its own right, rather than a short walk to fit in on the side.

A different activity is the focus of the route “A cheval jusqu'à Marcillac au départ des Prés Perdus”: it also starts in Souméras and is 30.3 kilometres long in total. Its title identifies it as a horseback riding route. This clearly distinguishes it from the Frankton Memorial Trail—not only in length, but also in activity and in the hiking trail’s historical focus.

To choose between the two routes, you can first consider whether you would prefer to follow a memorial trail on foot or take a horseback riding route. The total lengths of 39 and 30.3 kilometres then give you a concrete way to compare their scope. Both routes start in Souméras, but have different focuses.

Dining in Souméras

The restaurant at the Twin Lakes campsite in Souméras is open to everyone and offers takeaway food. This is a practical dining option to consider when planning your stay. Restaurant access and services may change, so check before your visit that access and the menu suit your dates.

Discover more destinations: La Barde, Meschers-Sur-Gironde, Chantemerle-Sur-La-Soie, Saint-Christophe, Saint-Germain-de-Lusignan, Saint-Palais-Sur-Mer, La Vergne, Archiac.

For the regional travel overview: Charente-Maritime.