Vallans showcases two distinct aspects of the Marais poitevin: the spring village on the limestone plateau and the communal marshland. Biefs and streams flow down from the plateau through fountains and washhouses. Vallans is also one of the 91 municipalities in the Parc naturel régional du Marais poitevin. When planning a stay, you can focus on the waterways and structures in the village, or on the marshland and how it is used.
Spring Village and Marsh Pasture
The Marais communal de Vallans is a 21-hectare communal pasture along the Courance. The use of the communal marshland as pasture has continued to the present day. Its location, size and continued use give this part of the landscape a character of its own, alongside the waterways of the limestone plateau.
In the village centre is the three-hectare Parc à Teurtous. Its facilities include a public barbecue, children’s play facilities, a multi-sport court, a boules court and a tennis court. Right next to the park is the Verger de Jeannot, a pesticide-free conservation orchard. This brings together two distinct focuses: a range of recreational facilities and a garden dedicated to conservation. Facilities and management may change. If your plans depend on a particular facility or on its pesticide-free status, check the latest information in advance.
Walking Trails and Distances
Vallans offers three walking trails measuring 3, 6 and 8 km. The “Le Charme d’un village-source” circular trail is 7 km long, with a stated duration of two hours. This lets you compare different trail lengths and, for the named circular route, also factor a time estimate into your day’s plans. The 7 km loop is therefore between the 6 and 8 km trails.
One starting point for a walk in Vallans is at the church square, opposite the town hall. This gives you a specific landmark for orientation. Trail conditions and signage may change; check both locally before setting off.
Church, Priory and Château
Notre-Dame Church is associated with the 11th and 19th centuries. The parish church in Vallans contains an altar dedicated to Louis IX. Another historical episode took place at the priory: in May 1242, Louis IX spent the night there during a siege. These connections bring together architectural history, a religious dedication and a specific medieval stay.
On the circular route, you can also discover the privately owned Château d’Allerit with its dovecote. It adds another historical point of interest in Vallans alongside the church and priory. Together with the trails, the spring village and the communal pasture, the village offers different ways to tailor a stay to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Paizay-Le-Chapt, Gourgé, Cersay, La Ferrière-En-Parthenay, Chiché, Massais, Le Busseau, Germond-Rouvre.
For the regional travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.
