The attractions range from the Pierre-Folle and the architectural history of Saint-Martin Church to marked trails, a garden, and go-karting. A red sandstone megalith and the DStM signs for the Way of St Martin represent two distinct aspects: heritage and trail navigation. If you are considering Bournand as a destination, these specific highlights can help you assess your interests.
The Pierre-Folle and when to visit
The Pierre-Folle stands at Les Ormeaux, north of the village, on private property. It can be visited during the Journées du Patrimoine (European Heritage Days) on the third weekend of September. If you are planning a visit, bear in mind this seasonal context and check the dates for your travel year. The megalithic monument is a covered gallery made of red sandstone. It is 18.47 metres long, about 6 metres wide on average, and estimated to weigh 345 tonnes. This makes it roughly three times as long as it is wide. It has been classified as a Monument historique since 1889.
Church architecture and other traces of history
Saint-Martin Church dates from 1895 and was built over an older Romanesque church. The surviving entrance portal of the former Saint-Martin Church was listed as a Monument historique in 1938. The church also preserves an altar from the former royal Abbey of Notre-Dame de Fontevraud. Its history therefore extends beyond its construction date: the Romanesque predecessor, the surviving portal, and the altar point to different historical connections.
The Château de Verrière adds another historical dimension. It dates from the 16th century and has been listed as a Monument historique since 1931. In 2013, the Anako Foundation opened an ethnographic museum there to the public. It featured collections and films about the last Indigenous peoples with oral traditions. This information refers to the opening and exhibition offering at that time.
Trail signs, a circular route, and the landscape
The European Way of St Martin passes through Bournand and various places in the northern Loudunais area. At crossroads, marked trail signs display the letters “DStM” and an arrow on each side. In Poitou, the route is called Le Chemin de Ligugé; it can be followed using hiking maps. The Sentier du Basilic is a discovery trail with points of interest such as a fountain and a washhouse. The two routes have different focuses: the Way of St Martin emphasises its route through several places and the trail signs, while the Sentier du Basilic focuses on discoveries along a circular route.
Bournand’s landscape includes wooded massifs and limestone slopes. Celtica offers a different theme: the garden is dedicated to Celtic culture and guardian trees. Alongside the historic buildings, the landscape and garden culture therefore offer distinct interests to explore.
Go-karting in Bournand
Karting de la Boule d’Or offers go-karting on a wooded track. Children measuring at least 1.40 metres can take part, and two-seater karts are available from the age of four. The height and age requirements apply to different offerings and should not be confused. As operating conditions may change, it is advisable to check the current requirements and availability before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Andilly, Vouneuil-Sur-Vienne, Couhé, Usseau, Châtellerault, Dissay, Béthines, Messemé.
For the regional travel overview: Vienne.
