In the countryside south of Royan, on the road to Bordeaux, barely 5 km from Mortagne and the banks of the Gironde estuary, you pass through several rural towns, including the rather discreet one of Brie-sous-Mortagne.
Discover the slopes of the Gironde by bike
Brie comes from the Gallic word "briga" meaning "height". Indeed, to the south of the town, the hilly plateau rises to an altitude of 60 m, one of the highest points in the Royan region. It dominates the Fondevine stream, the natural border of the town.
The commune of Brie-sous-Mortagne has always been centered on agriculture , which remains its primary activity today. Vineyards alternate with fields, grapes with grain. In the Middle Ages, a large fair was held in the town. Old windmill towers on the commune's hills bear witness to the commune's past focus on grain production. Certain place names ("the Great Mill," "the Little Mill") are a clear indication of this. While few remain today, and none are still in operation, they are enough to evoke a time when the hills above Brie-sous-Mortagne were covered with windmills, like the giants of Don Quixote.
To the north, the Lande forest borders the Seudre, which here is no more than a simple trickle of fresh water. This wood is dotted with small ponds called "the clones".
Join us for a short mountain bike ride around Brie-sous-Mortagne. Route #9 is a 13km loop starting from Boutenac-Touvent. It's suitable for families and can serve as an introduction to the sport. Mostly on dirt tracks, it allows you to explore the Gironde hills without difficulty.
Circuit VTT N°9 – Boutenac-Touvent
Moderate level
Brie-sous-Mortagne, a land of stone
Besides the landscapes, the richness of the soil has also shaped the village. The facades of the houses, whether rich or poor, are built from local stone. Here, there is no stone from the famous Crazannes quarries, but a less soft limestone with flint nuggets from the surrounding sites. When the sun's rays—rising from the Saintonge countryside or setting over the Gironde estuary—strike the houses, their unique brilliance can be admired.
This stone was also used to build the Church of Saint Peter . This 19th-century Neo-Romanesque building is distinguished primarily by its bell tower-porch. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the small garden at the foot of its apse. It conceals a cemetery cross alongside a medieval sarcophagus engraved with original and mysterious arabesques.
A national reputation for a small village
Along the road, we pass the Roudier company building . The Roudier family, France's leading manufacturer of fishing nets , has been based in Brie-sous-Mortagne since 1948. They manufacture, among other things, fishing nets and equipment. This local business serves as a reminder that the Gironde estuary is not far away…
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The other municipalities of the Gironde estuary
