Payré offers several distinct points of interest: the waterside landscape along the Dive, milling history and local produce. At Les Iles de Payré, a 22-hectare nature area lies along the Dive; eight hectares of it are made up of ponds and canals. The site combines a tangible connection to the water with paths and a range of activities. Other highlights include a rare depiction of Saint Hilary in the Église Saint-Hilaire and a family-run business in Payré that produces honey and pollen. These different themes give you a clear basis for choosing the focus of your stay according to your own interests.
Waterside landscape and activities
At Les Iles de Payré, you can use the free outdoor fitness trail with 14 exercise stations; it is reserved for people aged 14 and over. Hiking trails lead from there into the Civraisien en Poitou. Fishing is also possible at the site with a valid river fishing permit. The Terra Aventura treasure hunt “L’Odyssée de la Grand’Goule” also runs through the area. The activities take different forms: stations on the fitness trail, hiking trails in the Civraisien en Poitou, fishing subject to having a permit, or a treasure hunt. For planning purposes, the key practical requirements are the age limit for the fitness trail and a valid river fishing permit for fishing.
River and mill trails
The Sentier Rivières et Moulins offers a broader perspective beyond the recreational site. It follows, in part, the valleys of the Dive and Bouleure, shaped by mills; both rivers join the Clain in the commune of Voulon. Near Payré, the route passes Les Iles de Payré. Points along the way include the church in Voulon, the Guron mill, the Fontou washhouse fountain, the former footbridge, and the chapel and fountain in Voulon. The route therefore follows the valleys only in part and also takes in the mills and structures mentioned above.
Mills, church art and history
A closer look at the history of milling leads to the Moulin de Preuillé. The old mill dates back well before the 15th century. One striking detail is the canal that runs beneath the barn door; the mill wheel once turned under this door. This makes the connection between the watercourse and the operation of the mill visible in a specific architectural feature. The Moulin de Preuillé can be visited only by prior arrangement as part of a guided tour, so be sure to arrange your visit in advance. The Église Saint-Hilaire in Payré offers a different cultural and historical highlight: it houses a processional banner featuring a rare depiction of Saint Hilary. Here, the focus is on a religious object, while at the mill it is on the former use of the canal and mill wheel. Motor racing is also part of Payré’s history: Marcel Renault died in Payré on 26 May 1903 from injuries sustained in an accident during the 1903 Paris–Madrid race.
Honey from Payré
Production and tasting are the focus at Le Rucher de la Sapée. The family-run business in Payré produces honey and pollen. Its range of honey includes spring, summer, chestnut, acacia, buckwheat, alder buckthorn and heather varieties; the selection may change. If you are looking for a particular variety, it is best to ask in advance what is currently available. A guided honey tasting is offered free of charge and by prior arrangement. Arrange your visit in advance rather than planning on an impromptu tasting.
Discover more destinations: Jaunay-Clan, Vivonne, Dissay, Ceaux-En-Loudun, Mouterre-Silly, Pindray, Sommières-du-Clain, Moncontour
For the broader travel overview: Vienne.
