La Gripperie-Saint-Symphorien’s landscape encompasses two distinct areas: the commune includes the Marais de Broue, also known as the Marais de Brouage, and the hills of La Gripperie. The village of Saint-Symphorien lies on a low-lying limestone plateau near the former coastline. Vegetable growing and woodland shape its surroundings. Broue and Brouage are two names for the same marshland, not two different marshes.
Marshland, hills and nature reserve
Around the beginning of the 17th century, the former sea gulf gradually filled with alluvial sediment. The name of the marshes thus refers to today’s landscape, while their history recalls a former sea gulf. The La Massonne Regional Nature Reserve lies partly in La Gripperie-Saint-Symphorien and partly in Saint-Sornin in the Charente-Maritime département. There, marshes, woodland and heathland form a mosaic; the area is also notable for its highly diverse flora.
Hiking trails and wildlife
One specific way to experience nature is the 6.5-kilometre educational trail “Sur les traces de la cistude d’Europe.” Nature Environnement 17 created it in collaboration with the commune. Check the local signs before setting out. Another opportunity to see wildlife is at Mare du Grondin along the Circuit de la Héronnière, where the European pond turtle can be observed. It is a protected freshwater turtle, but seasonal sightings are not guaranteed.
The educational trail and the Circuit de la Héronnière can be compared by length: the trail is 6.5 kilometres long, while the circuit is 13.2 kilometres. The latter is a moderately difficult hiking route, with a stated duration of three hours. It passes through two communes and follows the former coastline of the Gulf of Brouage. Sights along the circuit in La Gripperie-Saint-Symphorien include the Fontaine des Miracles and the Église Saint-Symphorien. Check the latest route details before setting out.
Pilgrimage church and local tradition
The Église Saint-Symphorien is a pilgrimage church with a long building history. Construction began in the 12th century; it was altered in the 15th century and restored in the 19th century. Its Romanesque west façade has been preserved, and its round bell tower resembles a windmill. Inside are a seigneurial chapel and two protected paintings by Bragny. Both date from the 17th century: one is dated 1676 and the other 1641.
You can visit the church independently and free of charge. The key is available at the town hall during opening hours. Confirm access before your arrival.
The Fontaine des Miracles lies on the edge of the former Gulf of the Santones, near the Tour de Broue and the Église Saint-Symphorien. Local tradition attributes healing properties for rheumatism to its water. The themes complement one another: the church represents architectural history and art, while the fountain is linked to a local healing tradition.
Discover more destinations: Nieulle-Sur-Seudre, Paillé, Port-Des-Barques, Sainte-Gemme, Péré, Blanzay-Sur-Boutonne, Saint-Bonnet-sur-Gironde, Prignac
For the broader travel overview: Charente-Maritime.
