La ROCHELLE
The port of La Rochelle has been standing here since the XIIIth century.
La Rochelle’s rich architectural heritage is to be found in the ancient town centre where houses dating from the XVth and XVIIIth centuries can be admired.
Half-timbered medieval houses topped with slates, sober and noble XVIIIth century town mansions from shipowners, fine sculpted stone façades from the XVIth and XVIIth centuries.
The arch covered streets are the real charm of La Rochelle.
They testify to the town’s trading vocation : Shopkeepers used to display their merchandise under these porches giving shelter to sun and rain. However they had to pay a licence to the town for that purpose.
POITIERS
With 2000 years of history, dozens of monuments,
impressive medieval streets and beautiful boulevards & parks,
Poitiers boasts a rich and fascinating heritage & claims to be one of Frances foremost centres of romanesque architecture visitors can wander through the town centre following the coloured markings that link the most prestigious historic buildings
But the city has more to offer than just memories. Trendy cafés, cool bars and a lively student crowd keep it young and vibrant.
Saint-Maixent-L'Ecole
The town was founded in the 5th century by the monk Agapit. Its old streets, medieval houses and magnificent abbey church deserve the interest of visitors.
.near the Marais Poitevin and the Atlantic Ocean ,it is the starting-point of many tourist tours in Haut Val de Sèvre allowing you to enjoy marvellous forests, walks along the Sèvre Niortaise river, discovery of many historic and prehistoric sites
Also here is the Non-Commisioned Officers museum (le musée des Sous-Officiers). It is located in the surroundings of former barracks, "caserne Marchand", themselves located in the ancient castle place. It is a beautiful museum for those who love "the Army" and histor
NIORT
Discover a town of many different aspects and fall under its charm
In Niort, the gateway of the Marais Poitevin, you can enjoy peaceful strolls or bicycle rides along the "green corridor", along the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise river and all around the town on the 3rd Millennium walk.
In its heart, the city holds a rich heritage built throughout the ages. The oldest building is the keep built by Richard the Lion Heart.
MELLE
Melle was founded in the reign of Charlemagne, became important because of its silver mines and developed in the twelfth century as a stopping point on a pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. This lively little town has a wealth of medieval houses and 3 beautiful Romanesque churches . Those wanting to stretch their legs further can take the 6km ‘Aboretum, Chemin de la Decouverte’ themed walks along what was once as a railway track past over 1000 different trees and shrubs and many roses
THE SILVER MINES
Melle silver mines were once the site of the French mint, producing coins known as Deniers between the fifth and tenth centuries. By the eighteenth century, the mines had fallen out of use. Today, this site of the oldest silver mine in Europe is a tourist attraction with guided tours of part of its 20km long galleries each day offering fascinating information on geology and Carolingian methods of mining and minting.
