Saint-Médard-d'Aunis: Church, Mills and Hiking Trails

Saint-Médard-d'Aunis forms the transition between the Aunis Plain and the marshes of the Curé Valley. The local history includes the Moulin Cabané, the Church of Saint Médard with the former rectory, the Marian monument, and the La Limandière and L'Aubertière estates. Numerous hiking trails, an on-demand shuttle service and the St Med'Art Rock festival complement the architectural and landscape features with mobility and culture. The commune thus combines natural landscapes, local history and cultural events.

Landscape between the Aunis Plain and the Curé Valley

The Moulin Cabané and the former mill landscape

The Moulin Cabané is also known as the “Moulin brûlé”. During the Second World War, the Germans removed its upper section so that it could serve as a watchtower. The commune acquired the Moulin Cabané in order to preserve it. Its site is a remnant of the last of the seven mills that once existed in Saint-Médard-d'Aunis.

Church of Saint Médard and former rectory complex

A three-sided apse in the Romanesque Revival style was added to the Church of Saint Médard in 1872. From 1889 to 1891, a campanile with two openings was built. The classical portal has two Ionic pilasters topped by a curved pediment. The former rectory is attached to the Church of Saint Médard. Today, the former rectory houses the town hall. The former rectory complex also includes a washhouse and a well with two access points at different levels. It also features a walled prayer garden.

Marian monument and historic farmsteads in the commune

The residents erected the Marian monument out of gratitude that the commune was spared bombing during the Second World War. At the La Limandière manor house, access is through a gate. Beyond it lies a courtyard surrounded by outbuildings. In L'Aubertière, the manor house on Rue de Mazureau and its outbuildings form a U-shaped complex.

Hiking trails and Yélo Flex in the commune

Saint-Médard-d'Aunis is the starting point for numerous hiking trails. These numerous hiking trails lie within the commune's landscape, which is shaped by the transition between the Aunis Plain and the Curé Valley. In addition, Yélo Flex offers an on-demand, semi-autonomous shuttle service in the commune. The Yélo Flex shuttle stops at four stops: Le Verger, Val Pastour, L'Aubertière and Le Moulin Neuf. The four stops complement the trails with concrete points of access within the commune.

St Med'Art Rock Festival featuring regional art

The St Med'Art Rock festival takes place every year in June and has been running for more than 20 years. It also includes an exhibition of regional artists, painters and sculptors. As part of the emerging artists' programme, three to four groups are selected to perform. Following deliberation by a jury of music professionals, an award is presented.

Further destinations for your travel planning: Saint-Genis-De-Saintonge, Luchat, Préguillac, Loulay, Brives-sur-Charente, La Vergne, Les Mathes, Cramchaban

For the main travel overview: Charente-Maritime.