Hiking circuit - the Chenaie de Rochefort

The village developed from the domain of Marcius, a wealthy landowner from the Gallo-Roman era. To the east of the village passes a Roman road from Saintes to Angers.

1. From the church, cross the D 111 and take the street opposite “Chemin du midi”. It curves to the left. Turn right on chemin des Épinettes, paved. Arrive at a place called the Hospital.

2. Turn right into rue de Saint-Félix and right again on a stony path: “le chemin noir”. Reach the D 111 west of the town of Marsais. Follow her to the right. Do not join the church but go back to
left rue du Lavoir. At the cemetery go right on a path and pass under a high voltage line. Take the path to the left going up towards the Rochefort oak grove.

3. The path approaches this wood which is one of the small woods of Aunis, remains of the ancient forest of Argenson which covered a large area from Benon to Aulnay until the end of the Middle Ages. Turn left passing under another power line. Cross the wood. At the last large clearing, turn left into a small valley called the “Vallée du Saus”.

4. At the crossroads, take the left lane and left again on a straight path. Cross another path and continue in the same direction. Turn left on a small road and walk along some small woods
passing under two power lines. Continue past the cemetery and return to Marsais.