Deux-Sèvres is the north western department of the four which make up the region of Poitou-Charentes. This green land is crossed by many rivers and their valleys traverse a varied landscape.
If you’re doing some motorhome travel in France, start in the north of the department with the town of Thouars. This ancient medieval city was the object of many battles due to its strategic position, vital to whoever wished to control the region. The remains of this military history have been well conserved and allowed the town to gain the title of ‘Town of Art and History’. In 1635 the local dukes decided to build themselves a comfortable new château to replace the original first built in 762 and consolidated in medieval times. This château, where they would live just until the Revolution, is one of the biggest in the region with a façade measuring 110m. Today it belongs to the state and is a college. Amongst other interesting buildings is the Tower of the Prince of Wales which today houses an exhibition of contemporary art but was used in the past as a prison, a grain store and originally a defensive tower on the town’s ramparts.
Moving south to the town of Bressuire and the surrounding area. Visit the remarkable 14th century fortress at Saint Mesmin la Ville with its 30m high towers and for nature lovers, the 19th century Château of Tournelay with its landscaped park planted with 20,000 trees. After a torrid history full of battles, the original town of Bressuire was destroyed by fire in 1794. Today, the remains of its 11th century château bear witness to its remarkable medieval military architecture and to its grandiose past.
If you’re hiring a motorhome in France or hiring a motorhome in England, you can use the Aires de Service in Deux-Sèvres while you are travelling around for your stop overs. Carrying on south you will arrive in Parthenay which was already appreciated in the middle ages by the Pilgrims on the route of Saint Jacques de Compostelle for its warm welcome. This reputation contributed to the prosperity of the town over the centuries and it is now classed as a ‘Town of Art and History’. Wander through the medieval Parthenay, passing through its imposing gateways and admiring its half-timbered houses and narrow streets.
Finishing in the south of the department, visit the town of Niort. The twin towers of the Roman donjon are the second most important example in France and together with 700m of ramparts enclosed a town complete with gardens and churches. There is a splendid view over the modern Niort of today from the terrace of the château. It’s nice to see the château and all of the towns other monuments illuminated in the evening when they appear even more attractive.
Continue your adventure and go motorhoming in Vienne, motorhoming in Charente or motorhoming in Charente-Maritime.
