Parthenay

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The Art and History District of Parthenay – the Little Carcassonne of the West

Parthenay can justifiably boast of being an Art and History District and its architectural and historic heritage speaks for itself. An aerial view of the town shows how Parthenay is built in the shape of a horse shoe. To the north is the River Thouet which runs around the town alongside a wall flanked by huge round towers. Next zoom in on the east and the south. You will see that the town wall was demolished or engulfed in houses during the 19th century. The town has some fine traces of medieval architecture and the remains of the ramparts and monumental gates justify its nickname of «Little Carcassonne of the West».

Parthenay Citadel

Back on terra firma come with us back to the Middle Ages along the cobbled streets of the Citadel. Explore the narrow alleyways of the ancient capital of the Gâtine area and admire the half-timbered, flower-bedecked houses. Round off your visit with a walk around the Wednesday morning market to savour the smells of local produce then eat at one of the town centre restaurants to try local specialities like ‘fouées’ (bread rolls) and excellent Parthenay beef, well-known for its tenderness. It really is worth taking time to visit and get to know this fine medieval town.

Don’t hesitate to have a guided tour with one of the friendly, knowledgeable Art and History guides. The Saint-Jacques district was the weavers’ quarter in the Middle Ages when Parthenay enjoyed its heyday in producing cloth. Admire the ruins of the ancient Seigneurial castle, which still has most of its walls and towers and the 13th century Porte Saint-Jacques which marks the northern entrance to the town and opens onto a Pilgrim Route to Santiago de Compostela. There are many religious buildings to see in the heart of the town like the Couvent des Cordeliers (Convent) and the church of Saint-Pierre de Parthenay-le-Vieux.

What to see and do near Parthenay?

Digital treasure hunting enthusiasts can go off in search of Zacquet at Parthenay, Zabdo at Cébron (St-Loup-Lamairé) and Zektonic at Ardin !

The Festival Ludique International de Parthenay is held every year in July. For 12 days, the town becomes a giant board game attracting more than 350 board game professionals, artists, designers, creators and publishers, much to the delight of families looking for new games. An annual highlight that is an absolute must !

There is no shortage of things to do around Patrhenay. Pougne-Hérisson is an unusual tourist site which is overrun with tales and legends every year at the Nombril du Monde. Amazement guaranteed ! Stop off at Mouton Village at Vasles to look at sheep from UK, Somalia and Asia then continue on to learn all about ostriches at Balade des Autruches in La Peyratte.

For a breath of fresh air, have a walk around Lac du Cébron at Saint Loup Lamairé and do a spot of bird watching – don’t forget your binoculars !

How to get to Parthenay?

By air :

• Poitiers airport, 45 minutes : www.poitiers.aeroport.fr

• Nantes airport, 1¾ hours : www.nantes.aeroport.fr

By rail :

• to Poitiers, Niort, Bressuire and Thouars : www.voyages-sncf.com

By road :

• autoroutes A10 and A83, bus station at Parthenay

Discover Deux-Sèvres with Gites de France Deux-Sèvres : Boat trips on the Marais Poitevin, Château d'Oiron, Celles-sur-Belle Royal Abbey, Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park "