Argentonnay
Cities and Historic monument
This relatively small town has a lot to offer tourists and visitors. From ancient chateaus to beautiful nature. You can easily spend a day discovering the city and the area around Argentonnay which is located at a 40-minute drive from our Gîte. Have a lovely walk through the town centre to admire the architecture of the catholic church dating back to the 1100s. Just outside of Argentonnay you’ll find the impressive and well-maintained ruins of chateau Ebaupinay which is worth a visit including a guided tour to learn more about the history and its inhabitants throughout the centuries. Chateau de Sanzay isn’t as well maintained as chateau de l’Ebaupinay, since only the entrance gate and towers are still standing, however, this is made up by the very cosy courtyard where you can have drinks and look around in the courtyard shop. Also, the area around Chateau de Sanzay is beautiful to have a walk around in nature. Lastly, La Passerelle d’ Auzay is a natural site in this area worth looking at.
Château de Bressuire
Favorites, Historic monument, and Sights
The visible ruins of this castle date back to the 12th century and are very impressive to see. The medieval military architecture is still recognizable and within the castle court, a beautiful chateau has been built in the 1800s nowadays housing an art gallery and museum. When you wander around the garden, you’ll have a beautiful view of the city, find a rose garden with all kinds of roses, art sculptures and an impressive kitchen garden.
Chauvigny
Cities, Historic monument, Medieval center, and Sights
If you love architectural heritage, you will love Chauvigny. This charming city features a 12th-century Romanesque church and no less than five fortified castles. Even though this city is a bit further away, a one and half an hour drive, we definitely recommend taking a stroll through its charming streets and combining your visit with the Velo Rail tour and a delicious dinner in one of the many restaurants you can find here.
Chill-Out
Local and seasonal and Restaurants
As the name suggests this restaurant is the place to go to chill out and have a good time with fresh, regional food, delicious cocktails or other drinks while enjoying a beautiful view over the river. During the summer months, however, it’s not possible to reserve a table in advance.
Jardin des Abiès
Activities, Historic monument, Sights, and Walking
A small park, located in l’Absie. This park is special for its microclimate which enables the cultivation of original species such as conifers and acidophilic plants. There are multiple trees in this park that are over hundreds of years old. Even though you walk through this park in about 10 minutes this place is definitely worth a visit for its remarkable trees. It’s also possible to combine visiting the park with a visit to the Eglise Abbatiale Notre-Dame, a monumental church located on the side of the park. The church has a history dating back to the 1100s and features medieval mural paintings inside. Visiting the church, however, is only possible with an appointment that can be made on the website by filling out a form.
L’île du Leydet
Activities and Boat rentals
Get adventurous and rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak to discover the river La Sevre Nantaise. Their prices start at € 7,- per hour up to € 22,- per day. The nearby Chateau de la forêt sur Sèvre is amazing to give a visit from the water and this can be done in two hours back and forth.
La Coupe Gorge
Bars and Food & Drinks
Enjoy a small but delicious range of craft beers made in the brasserie of La Coupe Gorge. This little bar in Parthenay is located just next to the old gate Porte Saint-Jacques along the river. They have a warm interior with a small stage where you can often enjoy live music. Also during the summer, their outside terrace along the river is a must-visit. If you want an extra special experience make sure to check their events calendar to see when live performances or art exhibitions take place.
La Petite Noisette
Favorites, Local and seasonal, and Restaurants
La Petite Noisette is one of the nearest restaurants to La maison des douves. At this restaurant, you’ll find dishes that are made with local and seasonal products of high quality for a reasonable price. Make sure to put in a reservation beforehand because this restaurant is often fully booked!
Le Collibert 2
Lunch and Restaurants
A restaurant and a cruise in one. A special dining out experience in the Marais Poitevin. Enjoy the tasty lunch menu, see the unique natural site from the water and learn about the history while cruising the labyrinth of canals. The cruise leaves at 11:45 am and returns to the harbor at 15:30 pm and is available between April and October.
Le Passage de la Venise Verte
Activities and Boat rentals
Discover the Green Venice, a.k.a Marais Poitevin with a rental boat. You can either choose a canoe to paddle around yourself or rent a motorboat for five up to twelve people. A boat license isn’t necessary for any of the options they provide. They are open from the start of May until the end of the summer. Make sure to reserve your boat online using their website which is also available in English.
Le Pont Romain
Activities, Biking, Historic monument, Sights, and Walking
Visit this ancient Roman bridge surrounded by beautiful nature. There are picnic areas nearby to take a little break. After your break, you can follow multiple hiking- or biking routes from this point. A perfect place to spend a sunny day in lovely nature.
Le Puits d’Enfer
Activities, Favorites, Nature, and Walking
This magnificent place is too beautiful to skip during your stay in des Deux Sevres. Pack your hiking boots because you can expect some wild, rocky roads winding along a lively river with the occasional waterfall here and there. Be careful though, because some stairs and rocks are quite steep, but if you pay attention, this will definitely be an adventurous trip.
Le Rocher Bralant
Activities, Nature, and Walking
This natural area is perfect for a little outdoor adventure. It’s also called the ‘Jardin des Chirons’ which means the ‘garden of granite rocks’. These ‘chirons’ are a characteristic of the department of Des Deux-Sevres and consequently protected. That’s the reason you see them everywhere around here because you aren’t allowed to move them around. The literal highlight of this relatively small but impressive site is the ‘Rocky Rock’ which can be slightly moved once you’ll master the right technique. We won’t spoil it, but you’ll have to find the right angle and the right rhythm to pull this off.
Les Cloitres
Bars, Local and seasonal, Restaurants, and Vegetarian
A great place in the beautiful city of Bressuire to go out and have drinks with bites or enjoy multiple course dinner. Their menu features a lot of French classics such as foie gras, escargots and different types of meat and fish. However, if you want vegetarian options they’ve got them too. With a nice outdoor terrace and lots of choices in drinks, cocktails and some delicious aperitif boards, this is the place to be on a lovely summer evening.
Marais Poitevin
Biking, Nature, and Walking
This huge area of marshland also goes by the name of ‘ the Green Venice’. You’ll find a beautiful area with a maze of canals, a true labyrinth of plants and water. It’s perfect to discover by boat but is nice to roam around by foot or bike as well. If you truly want a unique experience it’s also possible to book a guided carriage ride and learn about the unique landscape as you go. If you’re tired from exploring, there are restaurants nearby to rest from your adventures.