Historic sites, towns and villages

The capital of Gâtine, a town of Art and History and an old stopping place along the Way of St. James, the medieval town of Parthenay on the banks of the Thouet invites lovers of architecture to discover its ancient heritage. See relics of the old Castle of the Lords of Parthenay: ramparts dotted with towers, the bridge and the door of St. James, which form a picturesque scene with the peaceful river; Rue de la Vau Saint-Jacques, where the pilgrims used to stop, and its old half-timbered houses; the Romanesque gate of the Church of Our Lady of La Couldre; the gate to the Citadel, town as the Clock Tower, from the early 13th century...There are so many wonders to admire on a walk in the area!

Parthenay is located around 25 mins from Les Gites de Fontenioux

A stone's throw from the forest of Mervent-Vouvant, discover a medieval village nestled in the meander of the La Mère river. Stroll through the narrow streets of Vouvant and walk along the ramparts to the foot of the Mélusine tower. Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, crowned with the Small Towns of Character label, the medieval town of Vouvant has also distinguished itself as one of the favorite villages of the French. Discover the history of this fascinating place where the spirit of the fairy Mélusine is present everywhere.

Vouvant is located around 25 mins from Les Gites de Fontenioux

Architectural pearl of the Vendée, the town proudly displays its remarkable 16th century facades, witnesses to the golden age of the Renaissance

The town of Fontenay-le-Comte holds the prestigious award "Town of Art and History," counts among the "Most Beautiful Detours in France" and is the cradle of the philosophy of humanism. King François I nicknamed it the "fountain of beautiful minds."

Fontenay-le-Comte is located around 30 mins from Les Gites de Fontenioux

The present castle is situated upon the site of the original fortress built by the Lusignans : no doubt about its ancient origin since it is said that the "Fairy Melusine" was its ancestor. In the Middle Ages, the Lusignan family became powerful, allowing one of its branches to ascend to the throne of Cyprus and Jerusalem at the beginning of the 13th century.

Chateau de Cherveux is located around 30 mins from Les Gites de Fontenioux

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Maillezais Cathedral (French: Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Maillezais, or St. Peter Maillezais) is a ruined Roman Catholic church in the commune of Maillezais in the Vendée, France. Formerly the site of the Abbey of Saint-Pierre, the site grew from the 10th century abbey to the cathedral completed in the 15th century, with the many structures at the site abandoned by the end of the 17th century. Today's ruins consist of a cathedral, refectory, dormitory, kitchen, cellars, turrets and ramparts. The cathedral has been declared a heritage monument in reflection of its Romanesque and Gothic architectural form. It was designated a monument historique on 30 January 1924

Abbaye de Maillezais is located around 35 mins from Les Gites de Fontenioux