Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay can be explored through a range of interests: the La Ballastière leisure area, routes of varying lengths and buildings from different eras. There is also the Belvédère du Puy de Mont, with its panoramic views over the surrounding villages. When planning, you can consider outdoor activities, architecture and interpreting the landscape as separate themes.
La Ballastière: pond and leisure area
The La Ballastière pond covers 8 hectares. A short path allows you to walk around the water in a wooded setting. The leisure area offers fishing, mini-golf, tennis, a multi-sport court, pétanque, walks and bike rides. La Ballastière is a place for leisure and relaxation all year round for anglers, tourists and families. This makes a circuit around the pond and other activities in the same leisure area distinct ways to spend your time there.
If you want to use a particular facility, check its current status in advance: individual facilities may change over time. The range of options includes physical activity on walks and bike rides, as well as leisure activities such as mini-golf, tennis and pétanque.
Routes by length and starting point
The shorter routes listed are 8, 8.5 and 9 kilometres long, but differ in their starting points and what they offer. The 8-kilometre Entre bois et hameaux route starts at Pont de Taizon and includes a section accessible to everyone. The 8.5-kilometre Sentier du Belvédère is a hiking trail that starts at La Ballastière. The 9-kilometre Ziclou cycling route starts at the car park by the La Ballastière pond; check whether the app is available before your trip.
A longer option is La boucle près-Thouet: this 24-kilometre walking and cycling route starts at La Ballastière and links two other signposted routes. It differs from the shorter options both in length and in its role as a connecting route. For La boucle près-Thouet, the Sentier du Belvédère and Entre bois et hameaux, check the trail markers and conditions locally before setting out.
Romanesque architecture and history
The Église Saint-Martin dates from the late 12th century and has retained its original choir. It was classified as a French historic monument by decree on 19 November 1910. The church also contains a Stations of the Cross fresco painted by Abel Pineau in 1947. The architecture, protected status and the artist’s work each provide a different way to learn about the building.
The Pont de Taizon is a 13th-century Romanesque bridge over the Thouet. It has been listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments since 1943. Another architectural feature is the medieval core of the Commanderie de Prailles, which includes two Romanesque twin windows and a chapel with Angevin-style rib vaults.
The building history of the Chapelle Notre-Dame des Neiges dates back to the second half of the 19th century: it was rebuilt between 1870 and 1875. It was intended as a place of prayer for field workers who were unable to attend services at the parish church during certain times of the year. This purpose is part of the chapel’s historical context.
Panoramic views and geology at the Belvédère
The Belvédère du Puy de Mont offers panoramic views over the surrounding villages. Visitors can also discover the distinctive geology of the Thouarsais and the variety of its soils. The viewpoint thus combines views of the villages with a subject focused on the landscape itself.
There are several ways to choose your outings: route length, starting point and type of activity, or an interest in architectural history and the landscape. For the routes, it is worth considering these features together; at La Ballastière, the circuit and leisure facilities offer additional options.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Loup-Lamairé, Souvigné, Le Busseau, Ménigoute, Caunay, Saint-Pardoux, Saint-Maxire, La Chapelle-Thireuil
For the regional travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.
