Visitors choosing Lathus-Saint-Rémy as a destination will find several options to help plan their days: the natural setting of the Roc d’Enfer, a signposted circular walk, a voie verte and waterside leisure facilities. These options differ not only in theme but also in format. The Roc d’Enfer is known for its rocks, river and biodiversity; the walking routes can be distinguished by their circular route and shorter connection, while the leisure facilities bring together specific options for fishing, picnicking and play. This makes it easy to decide in advance whether the focus should be on scenery, exercise or waterside leisure.
The Roc d’Enfer and Nature on the Gartempe
The Roc d’Enfer lies along the steep banks of the Gartempe, where granite rocks rise above fast-flowing water. The interplay of rock and current defines the character of this place. The Roc d’Enfer is also designated as a Natura 2000 site and is home to a highly diverse range of animal and plant life. Its distinctive granite landscape and protected natural setting are therefore equally integral to the character of the Roc d’Enfer.
The River Setting and Water Sports
Near Lathus, the Gartempe cuts through a dramatic granite landscape, with often-shaded paths leading to the river. Rare plant species grow in this protected area, and canoeists and kayakers use the Gartempe. These aspects can be viewed from two perspectives when planning: paths, plants and the protected area shape the landscape theme, while canoeing and kayaking represent active use of the river.
Circular Walk or Voie Verte
The signposted “L’Aiguail de la Gartempe” circular walk, loops Nos. 8 and 9, is easy and 10.2 kilometres long; it starts and ends in Marsat in Lathus-Saint-Rémy. The 2.5-kilometre voie verte runs between Lathus-Saint-Rémy and the Roc d’Enfer and is suitable for several user groups. This makes for a simple distinction when planning: the circular walk starts and ends in Marsat, while the voie verte is a shorter connection between two places. In terms of distance alone, the signposted circular walk, at 10.2 kilometres, is considerably longer than the voie verte, which is just 2.5 kilometres long.
Waterside Leisure Facilities
The Aire de loisirs de la Voulzie is located on the banks of the Gartempe and has a fishing area accessible to people with reduced mobility. The leisure area at the Saint-Rémy reservoir offers fishing for recreational anglers, a pétanque court, a children’s playground, picnic tables and restroom facilities. When comparing the two, you can consider whether the fishing area accessible to people with reduced mobility or the combination of fishing, pétanque, play, picnicking and restroom facilities at the reservoir is more important for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Payré, Saint-Savin, Charroux, Poligny, Coulonges, Mauprévoir, Marçay, Morton.
For the broader travel overview: Vienne.
