Saint-Pierre-De-Maillé brings together archaeological and architectural history with routes on foot, by bike and on the water. The Grotte des Cottès, historic château complexes and the Gartempe offer different ways to shape your stay. There are also nature and climbing activities in La Guignoterie. When planning, you can decide whether to set aside more time for culture, exercise or activities on the water.
Archaeological traces and historic buildings
The Grotte des Cottès and its slope form one of the few archaeological sequences in Western Europe to fully cover the end of the Middle Paleolithic and the beginning of the Upper Paleolithic. This transition is dated to around 35,000 to 37,000 years ago. The cave thus represents a far-reaching chapter of human history and provides a distinctive contrast to the municipality’s more recent buildings.
The Château de la Guitière was built in the 14th century and modified over the following centuries. The entire complex is listed as a historic monument: it includes the main residence, greenhouse, outbuildings, entrance gate, enclosure, towers and chapel. It was listed by decree dated December 5, 2007; the estate is privately owned. At the Château de Jutreau, the north pavilion dates from the 15th century. This part of the château complex was listed as a historic monument by decree dated April 17, 1935; this estate is also privately owned.
Circular walk or bike ride
The easy circular walk “De Grottes en Châteaux boucle n°5” is 6.8 kilometers long and takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. It starts and ends in Le Bas Bourg in Saint-Pierre-De-Maillé. It first follows the Gartempe, then climbs through the forest. The distance, walking time and circular route provide a practical framework for planning your day; you can allow extra time for breaks according to your own plans.
For a longer cycling route, try the Tèrra-Aventura trail “Gare à la Trempette!”: this free treasure hunt is open to everyone and takes the form of a 15-kilometer bike ride along the Gartempe, on greenways and small roads. The trail is accessible year-round. Even so, check its current availability before you travel. The two route options—on foot and by bike—differ in length, and no walking time needs to be assumed for the cycling route.
Activities on the water and in La Guignoterie
La Fourmy Canoë offers guided trips with nationally qualified professionals, supervised night trips and fun introductions to activities on the water. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent for independent family outings; equipment and minibus transport are also included in the offer. Stand-up paddleboarding and a shuttle to the canoe trip’s starting point are available too. As schedules, booking details and transport arrangements can change, it is advisable to check them before planning a trip.
On the eastern edge of the municipality, at the hamlet of La Guignoterie, a cliff of Upper Jurassic rock overlooks the left bank of the Anglin. The La Guignoterie area is part of the Natura 2000 network; protecting biodiversity, particularly bats, is a key priority there.
The La Guignoterie climbing area has 20 sectors and 141 routes on cliffs up to 35 meters high. It caters to beginners as well as experienced climbers. The number of routes may change following any future redevelopment. Climbing thus adds another way to tailor your stay to your interests, complementing the nature and water activities.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Rémy-sur-Creuse, Neuville-De-Poitou, Jaunay-Clan, Coulonges, Bonnes, Montmorillon, Liglet, La Puye.
For the main travel overview: Vienne.
