Route details
Description
A 360° disconnection
Cross marshes, immerse yourself in the forest, smell the iodine of the ocean, picnic on the banks of a river, wander the streets of historic villages labeled Petites Cités de Caractères® or Cities and Countries of Art and of History, take a refreshing break near a lake…
This succession of ecosystems invites you to awaken all your senses!
Your itinerary
Step 1: Javarzay Castle
A mysterious voice reveals the history of the Château, one of the first of the Renaissance era in Poitou. Mysterious trunks and souvenir albums transport the visitor to the feminine elegance of the 19th century. Finally, Jean François Cail, an exceptional genius, himself recounts his incredible destiny as an inventor and business leader during the Industrial Revolution: A free and innovative tour of history transposed to the 21st century, from March to November. Another new feature: virtual tour with headset for people with reduced mobility.
Step 2: The Silver Mines
25 minutes from Niort and the Marais Poitevin, the oldest silver mines that can be visited in Europe, the site presents the metallurgical practices of the Carolingian period. Immerse yourself in a mysterious underground universe by exploring the ancient mining network! History is dusted off there and discovering all the stages of making money, in the time of Charlemagne, becomes a real pleasure.
Step 3: Royal Abbey of Celles-sur-Belle
1000 years of History... Ten centuries ago, a building appeared in the commune of Celles (name of the commune of Celles-sur-Belle until 1892): the Royal Abbey. The latter, whose first abbot is named Jean d'Usson, will become an ecclesiastical lordship which will continue to enrich itself, to increase thanks to donations and offerings but which will also be destroyed and rebuilt on numerous occasions.
Come and discover the museum spaces with collections of religious objects and ecclesiastical clothing. Thanks to tablets and “Touch to see”, objects are tactilely readable by everyone.
You will love walking through the French gardens, insects and simple…
Also discover the Abbey Church, the vintage motorcycle museum as well as the exhibitions and festivals (in summer).
Step 4: Les Halles
Come and discover local and regional products every morning. The big markets, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays: more than 120 producers, artisans and traders will give you their warmest welcome and their best products.
In 2019, elected in the TF1 Journal “The most beautiful market in France” in Poitou-Charentes and the 9th nationally.
Step 5: The Dungeon
An emblematic building of the city of Niort, the Keep is the last witness to a very important fortified complex including a city wall of almost 2 meters. Classified as a Historic Monument since 700, the Keep is labeled Museum of France. The Dungeon Museum houses archaeological and ethnographic collections from the region, as well as an exhibition retracing the history of the monument through a modern scenography.
The Keep of Niort is classified as a Historic Monument.
Step 6: Port Boinot
Former chamois factory until 2006, then National Center for Street Arts from 2010 to 2015, Le Port Boinot is between the Main and Sèvre Niortaise bridges:
– A large urban park connected to the Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park (2020)
– A variation of 6 thematic gardens
– The conversion of industrial buildings: the employer's house into a restaurant (2023), the factory into an event venue for businesses and the general public (2023), the large dryer into a “roaming and hiking counter” (Tourist Office in 2021 ), information space and awareness of the heritage riches of Niort Agglo and place of memory of chamois making (2021), the port workshops in a space dedicated to sports leisure practices (rental of Tanlib bicycles and light boats)...
Step 7: The Saint-Jacques gate
Built at the beginning of the 4th century, at the northern entrance to the city (which then had XNUMX gates), the Porte Saint-Jacques, as its name indicates, opens onto a pilgrimage route towards Saint-Jacques-de -Compostella. The vaulted passage, framed by two towers with an almond-shaped plan, was defended by a portcullis and a stunner (pierced in the vault). It is topped by a guard room, accessible by a spiral staircase overlooking the walkway of the neighboring wall.
Step 8: Bressuire Castle
Built on a rocky promontory in the 700th century, the castle, owned by the Beaumont family, has continued to strengthen its defensive system and is said to have had up to three successive enclosures. Today, follow the 38 m long enclosure, punctuated by XNUMX towers, some of which have been designed as isolated support points, stroll past the romantic ruins of the XNUMXth century dwelling. From the esplanade, enjoy the view of the Chapelle St Cyprien and the old XNUMXth century slaughterhouses.
The neo-Gothic house built in the 19th century houses temporary exhibitions, a sculpture show in March and a painting show in May. A sculpture symposium takes place every year within the castle grounds.
Treasure hunt July and August: Help Lady Jeanne rebuild her castle, by finding the treasure hidden by her husband!
A Terra Aventura geocaching course is also available
Step 9: Val-de-Scie leisure park
Combining relaxation with leisure! For equilibrists, a playground area with zip lines or a balance course are freely accessible. You can enjoy a lunch break surrounded by nature.
Step 10: Mauléon Abbey Museum
Nearly 3000 years of Bocage history…
Immerse yourself in very ancient times (geology, prehistory, protohistory) in the magnificent vaulted cellar, with the monumental Vaulx rocks (1st European site of engraved anthropomorphic figures). An adjoining room evokes popular culture (stories, songs, music) and the emblematic writer Ernest Pérochon.
Four other spaces retrace the history of the Mauléonais from the Middle Ages to the Vendée Wars, then the industrialization of the 19th century, with numerous period tools.
The remarkable chapel evokes religious history (precious pieces of goldwork), legends and beliefs, or even the wax maker's workshop, the new technologies of the 19th century.
With its free entry, its children's trail, its audio guide in 3 versions, the museum is aimed at the whole family!