Asnières-La-Giraud: Holiday Apartments and Houses

The Sentier des orchidées runs entirely within Asnières-la-Giraud and is 6.2 km long. Those choosing Asnières-La-Giraud as a destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment.

Trails and Landscape

Another route is the Chemin ânier: it is 11.5 km long, with a stated walking time of three hours and an elevation difference of 55 m. The trail passes a small forest and a vineyard, then continues along the edge of another forest.

The Chemin ânier also features an old well with a pump, which is said to still provide water even during periods of drought. The Sentier des orchidées is used for walking, hiking and strolling, and passes through the village of La Giraud.

The local heritage includes the Pierre de la Giraud. In old villages, walls and buildings constructed with it can be seen, as well as characteristic door and window surrounds made of dressed or large stones.

Culture and History

Of the Church of Saint-Médard, built in the 12th century, only the wall of the chancel end and three Romanesque windows remain. The church was restored in the 16th century, while its façade was redesigned in the 19th century. Inside are decorated capitals and two sculpted corbels depicting an animal with a human head and a mermaid.

The bell tower of the Church of Saint-Médard is visible throughout the village. The church is open to visitors upon request to the municipal administration.

The heritage associated with Asnières-la-Giraud also includes the Route des Cardinaux, which follows in the footsteps of Richelieu and Mazarin.

The Fontaines d’Asnières dairy cooperative was founded around 1913 to produce butter packaged in baskets. The former Fontaines d’Asnières dairy was later known as the Chauvet dairy. From 1947, Camembert-style cheese was produced at the former dairy; around 1955, powdered milk made using the Hatmacker process followed.

Local Traditions

The Frairie de la Saint-Médard is a recurring festival organized by local associations with the support of the municipality. At the Frairie de la Saint-Médard, the Confrérie de la Cagouille offered a tasting of “cagouilles.” In addition, 150 brioches referred to as “Cagouilles” were blessed there and then sold.

Geographical Setting

The D150 crosses Asnières-la-Giraud in the direction of Saintes; the municipality is also located near the A10 motorway.

Other destinations: Bouhet, Breuillet, Les Portes-En-Ré, Saint-Sauveur-d’Aunis, Saint-Porchaire, Boscamnant, Vandré, Saint-Just-Luzac

To the main travel overview: Charente-Maritime.