Sources de la Touvre

The Sources de la Touvre, located in Touvre near Angoulême, form the second-largest resurgence in France and offer an exceptional natural, historical, and ecological site.

Hydrogeology and Flow Rate

• The second-largest resurgence in France, with an average flow rate of 13 m³/s, ranging from 7 m³/s in September to 17.6 m³/s in February.
• The main springs are Le Bouillant, Le Dormant, La Font de Lussac, and La Lèche. They form the Touvre River, a tributary of the Charente, which is 11.7 km long.
• The water is fed by the La Rochefoucauld karst, receiving water primarily from the Bandiat and Tardoire underground rivers, as well as, to a lesser extent, from the Bonnieure and Échelle.
• The water temperature ranges from 8 to 12°C.

Biodiversity and Ecological Significance

• A nationally designated site for its biological diversity and exceptional landscape.
• The area is rich in waterfowl and diverse wildlife, as well as rare flora, including willow-leaved spirea and grass-leaved buttercup.
• The resurgences create a peaceful atmosphere where biodiversity thrives.

Activities and Hiking

• Easy hikes ranging from 2.95 to 3.5 km, allowing visitors to explore the Bouillant, the Lèche, and the surrounding ponds.
• Forest trails ranging from 16 to 40 km for hikers, cyclists, or horseback riders, including a journey through the Bois Blanc national forest and limestone landscapes.
• Canoeing: an 11-km water route between Touvre and Gond-Pontouvre, ideal for observing the river and its biodiversity.
• An educational interpretive trail with interactive stations on the theme of “seeing” for all visitors.

Heritage and Points of Interest

• View of the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Church and the village of Touvre from the hills.
• Historic ruins and old washhouses along the riverbank to discover along the route.
• Some springs (Font de Lussac, Lèche) are said to have emerged or changed as a result of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

Importance for Drinking Water

• The Touvre River provides 87% of the drinking water supply for the Greater Angoulême Urban Community.
• Water quality is well preserved thanks to a balance between karst and upstream areas, the protection of wet meadows, and monitoring of nitrates and pesticides.
• Conservation efforts and payment schemes for environmental services are in place to maintain the quality of the water resource.

Visitor Tips

• Hiking shoes are recommended for the stone and forest trails.
• Swimming is prohibited in the pools for safety reasons related to the resurgences.
• Binoculars are recommended for observing aquatic wildlife and birds.

The Sources de la Touvre offer a unique experience, combining fascinating geology, natural heritage, and outdoor activities accessible to everyone, from families out for a stroll to seasoned explorers.