In Clavé, hikes can be distinguished by the time they take and the landscapes they pass through. Le plan d'eau du Soleil Levant, Les villages de Clavé and Les quatre ruisseaux each have their own features; the Église Notre-Dame adds a historic landmark to the nature-focused attractions. For your stay, you can choose from specific trail details as well as scenic and cultural highlights.

Hiking by Duration and Landscape

The Le plan d'eau du Soleil Levant hike is 6.5 km long and takes about two hours. Les villages de Clavé covers 10.58 km, is rated moderate and takes an average of 3 hours and 15 minutes. The difference in length between the two routes is 4.08 km; the difference in their stated durations is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. When planning your day, note that the first duration is approximate, while the second is explicitly given as an average.

You can start the Le plan d'eau du Soleil Levant hike either from the church square or from the car park at the recreation area at the D142/D329 junction, near the bridge over the Touche Poupard. These are two alternative starting points for the same hike. The trail is marked in yellow and passes through ancient schist containing inclusions of milky quartz. Check local trail conditions before setting out, as they can change.

Les villages de Clavé follows a section of the GR® 364 and finishes along the Plan d'eau du Soleil Levant. The route description was last updated in 2022; check current trail conditions before setting out.

Les quatre ruisseaux passes along the La Touche Poupard dam and through winding sunken lanes in the hilly Gâtine landscape. Sunken lanes are recessed routes; their winding form and the hilly terrain shape the character of the landscape here. Compared with the route by the Plan d'eau, whose description highlights schist and quartz, Les quatre ruisseaux places greater emphasis on the paths and terrain.

A Waterside Break and Heritage

There is a rest area for hikers and sanitary facilities at the Plan d'eau du Soleil Levant. Check the condition of the facilities before your visit. Family fishing is also offered there, using pole fishing or a float tube. Fishing regulations can change, so check the current rules in advance.

The Église Notre-Dame in Clavé dates from the 12th century. By decree of 9 January 1932, its bell tower and apse were listed as historic monuments. These details refer to different things: the 12th century is when the church was built, while 1932 is when the two named parts were granted protected status. For those interested in architectural history, this distinction separates the building’s historical origins from its later protection status.

Discover more destinations: Cersay, Paizay-Le-Tort, Chiché, Maisonnay, La Chapelle-Saint-Laurent, Échiré, Le Beugnon, Hanc

For the wider travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.