Parthenay, a region in western France, features a diverse landscape ideal for outdoor pursuits. The Gâtine countryside defines much of the area, characterized by its bocage terrain of hedgerows and small streams, alongside the prominent Thouet River. This undulating environment, transitioning from granite to limestone, provides varied scenery for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, jogging, road cycling, and more.
For those seeking things to do in Parthenay, the region offers a wide array of…
184
Routes
4.3
(398)
Average rating
3490
People visited

4.3
(9)
40
hikers
4.07km
01:06
50m
50m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.

4.5
(10)
46
hikers
21.4km
05:41
220m
220m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.2
(6)
44
hikers
6.36km
01:41
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.0
(5)
31
hikers
6.17km
01:39
70m
70m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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5.0
(1)
65
runners
6.24km
00:40
60m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly runnable paths. Some sure-footedness required.

1
runners
13.2km
01:28
100m
100m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly runnable paths. Some sure-footedness required.

2
runners
15.3km
01:47
180m
180m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly runnable paths. Some sure-footedness required.

4.0
(4)
113
runners
13.4km
01:25
100m
100m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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5.0
(2)
9
riders
39.2km
02:35
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

4.0
(2)
9
riders
39.8km
03:01
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.7
(6)
6
riders
31.1km
01:54
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

4.7
(3)
5
riders
38.7km
02:29
260m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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3.5
(2)
159
riders
70.4km
03:06
450m
450m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

30
riders
154km
08:20
1,420m
1,420m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

42
riders
48.9km
02:34
350m
350m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

3.3
(3)
39
riders
97.9km
04:05
620m
620m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.7
(6)
20
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5.0
(4)
19
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.8
(5)
13
riders
35.1km
02:45
350m
350m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5.0
(3)
8
riders
46.0km
03:34
410m
410m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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5.0
(2)
13
riders
69.5km
04:39
530m
530m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

10
riders
83.8km
05:29
710m
710m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

3.5
(2)
9
riders
29.2km
01:42
220m
220m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

9
riders
39.4km
02:06
220m
230m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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Parthenay offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, touring cycling, jogging, road cycling, mountain biking, and gravel biking. The region features over 1,000 routes across these sports, with more than 13,000 visitors sharing their experiences. The average rating for routes in Parthenay is 4.35 out of 5 stars.
Parthenay's Gâtine countryside features nearly 800 km (approximately 500 miles) of signposted hiking trails. These include two Grande Randonnée paths, GR 36 and GR 364, and two Grandes Randonnées de Pays, GRP Marche Gâtine and GRP Thouet. For more information, consult the Hiking around Parthenay guide.
Parthenay is a hub for cyclists with over 800 km (approximately 500 miles) of cycle routes. It is situated on major routes like La Vélo Francette and La Vélidéale. A greenway on an old railway line connects Parthenay to Bressuire, and numerous local loops are available. Discover more with the Cycling around Parthenay guide.
Yes, Parthenay offers easy loops suitable for less strenuous walks, such as "The citadel of Parthenay" loop. The Gâtine countryside also provides varied landscapes for all skill levels. For specific easy routes, refer to the Easy hikes around Parthenay guide.
Parthenay caters to runners with dedicated routes, including a 3.4-mile (5.5 km) trail loop starting from the town. This route offers diverse paths, including single-tracks, dirt roads, and sections with stairs. It combines natural riverside paths along the Thouet with passages through Parthenay's medieval quarter. More details are in the Running Trails around Parthenay guide.
The region is characterized by its "bocage" landscape, a mosaic of fields, woodlands, and hedgerows. The Thouet River is a prominent feature, offering landscaped banks and scenic views. The undulating countryside transitions from granite to limestone, providing varied scenery for outdoor activities.
The preserved medieval quarter of Parthenay, sometimes referred to as the "Little Carcassonne of the West," offers cultural discovery alongside physical activity. Trails often reveal hidden fords, mills, or chapels. The medieval quarter features timber-framed houses, fortified gates, and ramparts.
Yes, komoot offers specific guides for these activities. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore the MTB Trails around Parthenay guide. For gravel biking, the Gravel biking around Parthenay guide provides relevant routes and information.
The Parthenay-Gâtine Tourist Office can be contacted by phone at +33 5 49 64 24 24. Their official website is associated with "Osez la Gâtine" and provides further information on the region.
Routes in Parthenay have an average rating of 4.35 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from more than 13,000 visitors who have explored the region's diverse outdoor offerings.
Road cycling routes around Parthenay traverse green, undulating countryside, often following the Thouet River and passing through historic towns. The terrain includes gentle slopes and more challenging climbs. The Road Cycling Routes around Parthenay guide provides detailed options.

