On the Magnerolles pathway | Haut Val de Sèvre Tourist Office

Why is it a must?

A place of total change of scenery.

Take advantage of an omnipresent nature.

Remarkable biodiversity.

Classification as a Natura 2000 site.

Beware of the sleeping water

You would have thought it was a simple stream flowing peacefully through the plains like so many others. Its appearance as a small, well-oxygenated, calcium-rich stream would have almost fooled us.

Discreetly it takes its source not far from the forest of Soudan. Then, without making any noise, it spreads out over nearly 10 km to the small hamlet of Pallu. And yet, little brother of the Sèvre Niortaise, it is joined by a dozen small tributaries and drains a catchment area of 19 km².

The Magnerolles stream is a small tributary of the upstream basin of the Sèvre Niortaise, which joins the right bank, upstream of St-Maixent (alt. 59 m) on the western border of the Poitou threshold.

An exotic walk and a timeless site

It is a walk in the heart of its valley that we propose to you, to the meeting of sources and wash houses that the stream crosses its path. In the village of Soudan, a small church full of charm welcomes you. Dedicated to Notre Dame de l’Assomption, it dates from the 12th century.

Stop for a moment to visit it. To do so, drop by the town hall to get the key.

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Washhouses or nothing !

The walk follows a limestone path, protected by a green tunnel. You will find Numerous washhouses along the way. It is quite possible that you will encounter some local fauna too, who are busy basking in the sun.

Not everywhere is a Natura 2000 area!

In addition to supplying the numerous springs and fountains that dot the path, the Magnerolles valley can boast of being classed as a Natura 2000 site. And for good reason, a richness of biodiversity guards the place. Amongst others, the White-footed Crayfish, the Alpine Rosalie and the Great Murin (a type of bat).

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A Charming discovery at the rhythm of your steps

Two marked and maintained tracks exist around Soudan: The track of the springs and the track of the woods. This is a unique opportunity to appreciate the preserved nature between fields, forest and trickling water.

The source circuit The circuit of the woods

Before going to the roadside