The best road cycling routes around Airvault

The Church of Notre-Dame de La Peyratte was built in the early 12th century by the monks of the Abbey of Sainte-Croix de Talmont in the Diocese of Luçon. Its austerity, simplicity, and choice of building materials make it a fine example of the churches of Gâtine. The work involves the general restoration of the church in five phases, beginning with the exterior and then the interior. The project management was entrusted to the Marie-Pierre Nigués agency, a heritage architect. A diagnostic study conducted in 2016 by the Niguès firm estimated the total cost of the work at €1,619,783 excluding tax. Prior to the start of work, the church underwent an archaeological assessment in 2018 and a study of the painted decorations in September 2019. The Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs is subsidizing the first phase of exterior work, 45% in 2017, 50% in 2021, and 40% in 2022. The municipality is benefiting from an exceptional Local Investment Support Grant of €120,000 for the entire exterior work. The Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and the Deux-Sèvres Departmental Council are financial partners in the project. A subscription is also open on the Heritage Foundation's website. The Regional Conservation of Historic Monuments – Poitiers site and the Deux-Sèvres Departmental Architecture and Heritage Unit of the DRAC are providing scientific and technical oversight for this restoration.

A church dedicated to Saint Peter is documented in the 9th century in the village. A Romanesque church was then built in the 11th century on the site of the current Saint-Honoré church, but with a different orientation. Initially dedicated to Saint Mathias, it was renamed Saint Honoré in the 15th century, a martyr from the Thénezay area, and houses the relic of his skull. The church was remodeled several times, notably in 1685, 1753, and 1784. The church was closed from 1791 to 1802. Its poor condition forced its complete demolition at the end of the 19th century. It was rebuilt between 1901 and 1903 in the neo-Romanesque style with a tall bell tower, according to plans by the architect Girard de Niort. It was consecrated on October 17, 1903, by Bishop Pelgé. It has three naves lit by richly colored stained-glass windows. The choir stalls, dating from the 18th century, were purchased in 1825 by Abbot de la Roche, parish priest; they came from the deconsecrated Cistercian abbey of Pin de Béruges. They were replaced in the current church in 1903. Two years later, the church was confiscated by law from the diocese and became the property of the municipality, which is now responsible for its maintenance. The white marble high altar with columns, donated in 1903 by the Countess of Talhouët-Roy, was sold in the 1970s and replaced with a wooden table facing the people. The stained-glass windows in the choir come from the Touan house in Paris and depict medallions depicting the life of Jesus. In 2003, the main bell collapsed; A new bell was recast from the old one by the Bollée d'Orléans firm and financed by subscription. The Bishop of Poitiers blessed it on October 11, 2003. Today, the parish of Thénezay no longer exists, and its former territory is part of the parish group of Saint-Jacques-en-Gâtine (comprising about sixty bell towers). Sunday Mass is now celebrated only occasionally in this village of nearly 1,400 inhabitants. The church is open for weddings and funerals.

The Château de la Roche-Faton, located in Lhoumois (Deux-Sèvres) in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is an elegant castle listed as a Historic Monument, dating from the medieval period and enriched during the Renaissance. 🏰 History & Architecture Mentioned as early as 1179, burned down in 1417, it was rebuilt starting in 1544 by Mathurin Pidoux. It comprises three buildings around a courtyard, round towers, a gatehouse with drawbridges (now lost), and outbuildings built in the 17th century. The fortified entrance is flanked by machicolations, while the central building includes a 15th-16th-century main building, crowned by an authentic spiral staircase. 🖼️ Interiors & Decor Several intact fireplaces from the 15th and 18th centuries, as well as a large living room decorated with 18th-century stucco. The Saint-Nicolas Chapel contains the tombstones of Charles-Marie-Auguste de Beaumont, Marquis d'Autichamp, and his wife. 🌳 Gardens & Park An English-style landscaped park and French gardens – designed in the 17th century by the Lords of Vassé – surround the château. A pond from the former moat also remains. 🛡️ Protection & Visits Listed as a Historic Monument: facades and roofs of the main building registered in 1973, wings of the outbuildings in 1993. A private property belonging to the du Dresnay family, the château is open for guided tours of the exterior and for events such as European Heritage Days.

Don't believe them when they tell you they don't do food, just come back 10 minutes later and ask again. Great stop!

This 11th century chateau and its parterre gardens can be hired for weddings and events. Its impressive moat and drawbridge give you an idea of its important defensive position.

Small campsite on the shores of Lake Cébron. Cabins and tent spaces at very reasonable prices. It is possible to swim in the lake, many hiking departures around.

Small city of character at the confluence of the Thouet and the Cébron. Superb 17th century castle and medieval streets full of charm.

Small town of character in the heart of the Thouet valley. Do not miss the old medieval castle as well as the church (remains of the Romanesque abbey) and its museum. In the village, the halls, an underground fountain, Art Nouveau houses... Very nice stopover!