River valleys and nature

The Benaize flows through Liglet from north to south, bordered by slopes that are sometimes steep and mostly wooded. The landscape also includes hilly or wooded plains, bocage hedgerows, and the valleys of the Benaize and Corcheron. The river corridor, hedgerows and landforms give the landscape several distinct features.

The Corcheron Valley and its wetlands are home to European pond turtles, yellow-bellied toads, great crested newts and ten species of bat. The Corcheron is a Type II ZNIEFF and is part of the European Natura 2000 network. Another natural site is the Sources du Glandon: a natural spring in the forest, with former waterworks and an interpretive trail.

Walking and route options

The Liglet interpretive trail is a circular route of 6 to 8 km. “Voyage entre Poitou et Berry” offers three options from Jemelle: a 3.5 km loop, a 5 km loop, or the full 8.5 km route. Seven information panels stand along the paths; the routes are accessible and partly follow hiking trails created by the Communauté de communes Vienne et Gartempe. At 6 to 8 km, the Liglet loop falls between the 5 km option and the full 8.5 km tour from Jemelle; 3.5 km is the shorter alternative there.

A longer circular hike, described as challenging, is “Par les Pâtureaux boucle n°1”. It is 22.2 km long and runs from La Trimouille to Liglet along the Benaize Valley. To begin, you can park in the centre of Liglet and follow the signed route eastwards. Check the local signs before setting out.

Rural and religious heritage

Liglet has five dovecotes; the most notable is in Courtevraud. The detached circular building probably dates from the 15th century and has 946 nesting holes. It provides a tangible example of rural architecture in Liglet, with its form and size reflected in a distinctive detail: the number of nesting holes.

The year 1093 links two historical references: the Priory of Marcilly was mentioned that year, and Saint-Hilaire was named for the first time. The priory was under the authority of Saint-Savin Abbey; in 1102, the Bishop of Poitiers transferred the church of Saint-Hilaire to the same abbey. A chapel also received painted decoration in its nave and choir: in the 11th and 12th centuries, and again in the 14th century.

Agriculture is also part of the area’s rural character. Producers in Liglet focus on short supply chains and produce meat, milk, cheese, vegetables and rabbit. If, when choosing a destination, you value local production as well as nature and cultural heritage, this offers another connection to the area.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lésigny, Moulismes, Lavausseau, Pindray, Lencloître, Nouaillé-Maupertuis, Romagne, Bournand.

For the main travel overview: Vienne.