On foot, on a bike, head off right now on an adventure with the Poïz’ - Ziclou, Zirrinzi, Zéidon, Zarthus, Zabdo, the miniature characters with a strong temperament, iconic of Tèrra Aventura, geocaching Made in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
They’ll whisk you off for a fun-filled treasure hunt to discover our most magical treasures, where you’ll reconnect with nature, observe, listen to the fauna and flora all around.
At the top of the peaks with Zirrinzi
Lovers of wide, open spaces and fauna and flora, make a stop-off in Iraty. Deep in the heart of Western Europe’s biggest beech forest, Iraty invites you to head off on a trek through its wild, preserved nature. Zirrinzi is a great walker because he’s a shepherd! But, he’s lost his sheep… Help him find his flock and he’ll explain to you what Etxola is. You’ll even see some along the way…
“The Shepherd and his sheep” quest in Iraty.
Difficulty level: 2/5 – Ground: 3/5 - Duration: 2h – Distance: 3 km.
Smell the fragrance of woodland with Zécolo
The Landes Forest, one of the most extensive in Europe, mainly comprising maritime pines, covers more than half of the department and, in particular, the west part of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park. Nature which invites for walks, for a journey through amazing preserved spaces. Zécolo, passionately committed to nature, will be your guide for this stroll and will ensure you discover all of the beauty of local fauna and flora.
“The fabulous Landes Forest” quest in Miramont-Sensacq.
Difficulty level: 2/5 – Ground: 3/5 - Duration: 2h-3h – Distance: 4 km.
On another planet with Zarthus
Along Arcachon Bay, the village of Arès is perfect for discovering “natural” sites like the Salt Marsh Nature Reserve. A stroll along the jetty or around the oyster port is another way of exploring this place. But, Arès has a particularity… its UFOport! Puzzled? Then follow Zarthus who’ll explain to you why Arès has a landing base for flying saucers…
“The UFO cache” quest, in Arès.
Difficulty level: 1/5 – Ground: 1/5 - Duration: 1h – Distance: 3 km.
Freewheel with Ziclou
Starting off in Fléac, close to Angoulême, head off on the “Greenway” on your bike, the old towpath which runs along the Charente River for some 20 km. This towpath was used to pull the gabarres (traditional flat-bottomed boats) which carried wine, paper, eau-de-vie, stone, etc. Ride past locks, dams, watermills and castles, and take a journey through this rich trading past with Ziclou who sets the pace.
“The royal bicycle quest” in Fléac.
Difficulty level: 2/5 – Ground: 3/5 – Duration: 2h – Distance: 3 km.
Become a detective with Zéïdon
30 km north of Limoges, the 330 ha Lake Saint-Pardoux is perfect for all types of sports and leisure activities: swimming, fishing, water skiing, trekking, biking, treetop adventures… Zéïdon whisks you off around part of this man-made lake and invites you to relax along its shores whilst contemplating the various vistas to admire from the little creeks. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to see “the Crocodile of the Lake”, which lives in this unspoilt site!
“The crocodile of the lake” quest at Lake Saint-Pardoux.
Difficulty level: 3/5 – Ground: 2/5 - Duration: 2h-3h – Distance: 6 km.
Confront the Grand’Goule with Zabdo
South of Poitiers, on the commune of Payré, Îles de Payré Outdoor Recreation Centre is located in an exceptional natural scenescape. The perfect place to enjoy a stroll and to daydream. Provided you don’t come across the Grand’Goule (Great Ghoul), “this legendary dragon which was known for terrorizing the inhabitants of Poitou”, said Zellé.
“The Odyssey of the Grand’Goule” quest, in Payré.
Difficulty level: 4/5 – Ground: 1/5 - Duration: 1h-2h – Distance: 1.50 km.
So, what is Tèrra Aventura?
Tèrra Aventura, a sort of imaginary “breadcrumb trail”, proposes several hundred trekking (and biking) quests throughout the region which are also real treasure hunts. The aim is to find the “cache” (the treasure) at the end of each trail. To reach the cache, your trail is dotted with enigmas to be solved, often full of surprises and humour. A fun-filled, one-of-a-kind way to discover the different gastronomic, historic, natural and cultural wealth which is at the heart of Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s spirit.
Discover all the tips and tricks to head off for an adventure with Tèrra Aventura and the Guide du Routard’s great ideas in “Guide du Routard Terra Aventura” (planned public release 02 December).
Text @Guide du Routard / Hachette livre; 2019.
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From the peaks of the Pyrenees to the Marais Poitevin canals via the wharfs of Bordeaux, the beaches of the Atlantic to the shores of Lake Vassivière near Limoges, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is full of fascinating, entertaining stories that will amuse one and all.
