In the north of the territory, find the Sèvre Niortaise valley. Made of 10 Commons, these lands are endowed with a rich heritage. You will discover small discreet monuments doing more identity of the rural soul of the towns.
The 10 villages of the Sèvre Niortaise Valley
The emblematic monuments
The Coudray-Salbart castle
Impressive 13th century fortified castle attributed to the legendary fairy Melusine, at the heart of the struggles between France and England, he controlled the crossing of the Sèvre Niortaise, the southern border of the lords of Parthenay-Larchévêque.
- 10 rooms in an exceptional state of conservation.
- Broken barrel vaults, ribbed vaults or dome pierced with an oculus; large and beautiful fireplaces; vast archer niches; latrines.
- A shaft (corridor in the thickness of the walls) unique in Europe.
Mursay Castle
This manor house, today protected ruin garden, was in the 16th century the stronghold of Agrippa d'Aubigné, grandfather of Marquise de Maintenon, great poet of the Baroque period and squire of the future Henry IV who spent the happiest days of his life there in 1576.
Moreover, the Allée du Roy, an avenue of lime trees three hundred years old, bears this name in memory of his stay. Located on the left bank of the Sèvre, on a terrace placed on stilts out of the floods, below the Gallic path known as Magné, close to a ford, the old castle serving as an outpost for the Coudray-Salbart was transformed from 1596 to 1613 into a pleasure castle by Agrippa d'Aubigné who basted it strongly and conveniently to new ones.
Today, the Friends of Mursay Castle (Échiré) invite visitors to discover the outbuildings and surroundings of the castle, now a listed garden of ruins. Monument.
Small heritage on the banks of the Sèvre
Along the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise, we discover a treasure of small heritage which bears witness to the history and traditional way of life of yesteryear. The charming ones stone houses, wash houses picturesque and old bridges create an enchanted atmosphere. It is a real pleasure to walk along the river and admire these testimonies from the past, which add a touch of authenticity to these villages.
The major events in the Sèvre Niortaise Valley
Flower Boat Festival in Saint-Maxire
The Medieval Quintilis and Sextilis in Echiré
A cycle route that runs along the Sèvre Valley
Culinary pride Made In Sèvre Niortaise Valley
Echiré butter
Échiré butter is a true culinary marvel, renowned for its exceptional quality. Made for over a century in the town of Chipped, this artisanal butter is appreciated by connoisseurs from all over the world for its nutty taste and its creamy texture which makes it an ingredient popular with chefs and food lovers. The secret of its fame lies in the traditional know-how in teak barrel churns and a selection of local dairy producers. A real treat to savor with relish.
The Poï'z invade the Sèvre Niortaise Valley
Discover the Sèvre Niortaise Valley with Terra Aventura. A game of geocaching unique which allows adventurers to set off discovery of unusual places. mingling play, hike and explore, Terra Aventura offers fun routes where participants must solve puzzles to find hidden treasures. This immersive experience offers a fun and interactive way to discover the region, combining the use of new technologies and the exploration of nature. ua captivating adventure for young and old, which also encourages the ddiscovery of heritage and environmental awareness.
→ Consult all the Terra Aventura routes of the Destination Niort – Marais Poitevin
