Explore Fors, Deux-Sèvres, Poitou-Charentes

Its name would be an alteration of forum (place of public meetings). In 1981, at Champ-Royal, excavations revealed the remains of an ancient vicus (small town) extending over three hectares with villas, baths, porticoes and forum. Mentioned for the first time in 1100, Fors is protected by its fortress, an advanced citadel of the castle of Niort erected by the Count of Poitou to delay the progression of attackers coming from the south. In 1494, the lord was Guy Poussard, a king's advisor, whose daughter Anne became the first mistress of the Count of Angouleme, the future Francis I, who would have built a manor house on the site of the castle. Part of the towers were used to build a town house in the 19th century. Today, only the ruins of the castle remain. -> Unmarked itinerary.

This course is part of the Niort - Marais Poitevin Trail Station. A course which will give you height and a panoramic view on the agglomeration and its surroundings when you cross the crests which link the communes of Saint Martin and Prahecq. There will be air in your lungs, don't forget to breathe! An easy trail in spite of the ridge. It is sure to motivate more than one budding trailer! Bonus at the start of the course: an area with outdoor weight machines is accessible to all. A real plus to do a PPG session at the start of this course! -> Trail Station marked course

First mentioned in 980, the village was renamed Symphorien during the Revolution. The village can be proud of having seen the birth of the ancestor of Lyndon Baines Johnson, 36th president of the United States: Pierre-François Creuzé, born in 1693, a persecuted Huguenot who emigrated to England and then to the Americas. Have a nice walk and don't forget that you are not alone on the paths you will take. We invite you to respect nature: avoid picking flowers and plants, do not leave any rubbish behind, respect inhabited areas, stay on the paths, keep dogs on a lead -> Unmarked itinerary

Enjoy a walk at the edge of the forest of Chizé and discover the charming village of Beauvoir-sur-Niort.

This course is part of the Niort - Marais Poitevin Trail Station. A forest course for trailers who want to work on their endurance. This course will allow you to do technical sessions such as Fartleck with feeling, blocks with threshold and many others! -> Trail Station marked course

To the east of Niort, the commune of 5 villages (Vouillé Bourg, Gascougnolles, Arthenay, La Rivière and Vaumoreau) lies around the green valley of the Lambon. Although first mentioned in 1271, it has been occupied since prehistoric times. At the beginning of the 20th century, hemp, grown in the valley of Sieur Moreau (Vaumoreau), was used to make thread for weaving linen. The retting of the stalks was done in the river. The mansions, the longères, the pigeon houses and the dry-stone walls stand alongside the new town centre and the Place des Cinq Villages, which was opened in 2009. The rural architecture of Vouillé can be discovered by walking along its alleys and numerous footpaths -> Follow the red signposting "circuit des Puits" to discover some of the wells in the commune.

Lines 21 and 22 (ex-Maraîchine line) are valid throughout the year and include 6 departures from Niort (6 during school holidays). They leave from the railway station, pass by the gardens of the Breach and the Atlantic Pole. The 21 then serves Bessines, Frontenay-Rohan-Rohan, Sansais, Amuré, Saint-Georges-de-Rex, Le Vanneau, Arçais and Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud. As for the 22nd, she drove to Sevreau, Magné and Coulon. Be careful to think for Saturday to book the day before 5pm, for 2 hours on 3. More info on www.tanlib.com

This trail is part of the Niort - Marais Poitevin Trail Station. From the station, you cross Niort and its vast Place de la Brèche, meet its dragons, admire its market hall and dungeon, then reach the Port Boinot visitor centre. This is where the route starts, then winds its way along the Sèvre Niortaise to Saint-Liguaire. You can run it, or take your time and enjoy the pleasant surroundings, just a stone's throw from the town center. This route is proposed by the Comité Régional de Randonnée Pédestre. Departing from a train station or TER bus stop, it allows you to join a walking or hiking itinerary and take a stroll in ecomobility!

This itinerary, entirely within the Parc Naturel Régional du Marais Poitevin, combines the discovery of the city of Niort (old quarters, Sèvre Niortaise river corridor), a landscape of meadows and marshes and the villages of Saint-Liguaire and Magné. Half of the route follows the GR36, followed by a PR loop known as "de Magné". An easy itinerary, but beware: some stretches are subject to flooding in the marshes. This route is proposed by the Comité Régional de Randonnée Pédestre. Departing from a station or TER bus stop, it enables you to join a walking or hiking itinerary, and to take an ecomobility trip!

All the cycle routes in the Deux-Sèvres Marais Poitevin have the same markings. On these markers (wooden beams with a turquoise plate), are indicated the numbers of the circuits in black. Here, follow the Number 5. The circuits are marked out in both directions, there is no specific starting point, you can start your walk wherever you like. Be careful, the small paths can be used by motorized vehicles. Safety instructions - Wearing a helmet is highly recommended. I ride on the right. I respect the rules of the road. I check the condition of my bike (brakes and lighting). I stay on the marked paths. I respect the marsh, a sensitive and classified site.

Pied à terre in Aiffres for those who love nature, quiet, near the Marais Poitevin classified "Grand Site of France", 2 km from Niort and 60 km from La Rochelle. Walking / cycling, fishing. Local stores. Cottage of 100 m2 comfortable single storey for 4-6 people. Living room with antique furniture, living room with sofa and leather armchair, fitted kitchen, shower room, WC, 3 bedrooms (bed of 140, dressing). LCD television with DVD / CD player, Wifi access. Sheets, linens and towels provided. Baby equipment on request. Garden of pleasure of 600 m2, terrace with living room of garden and barbecue. Electricity (except from Sep to June), heating and water included, tourist taxes not included. Our friends the animals must abstain. Activities: historical center and museums of Niort, Marais Poitevin, forest and Zoodysée of Chizé, Puy du Fou, Futuroscope, La Rochelle.

3 km from the historic centre of Niort, between town and countryside, in a beautiful wooded domain, your pleasure meeting in Niort-Bessines. Free parking. In front of the fireplace or on the large terrace, a warm welcome, a tasty and generous inn kitchen with the products of the market and the essential bistro cuisine. "Homemade" recommended by Tripadvisor. Since May 2018, the establishment has been invested in the "Mon resto engagé" operation, whose objective is to combat food waste by various means both in the organization and in the use of products.

Situated 200m from the SNCF train station our hotel is near to the town centre. The Moka Hotel has 33 renovated rooms. The rooms are all air-conditioned with showers, equipped with high-end bedding, pillows, duvets and mattresses. A flat screen TV and a courtesy tray is available as well as Wi-Fi. The hotel does not have a car park but it benefits from the proximity to the ‘Place de la Brèche’ underground car park. Meeting room and luggage storage available. La Rochelle (45min) and Futuroscope (55min). Buffet Breakfast served on the ground floor. Open all year, except from 21 December 2020 to 2 January 2021.

Enjoy an exceptional experience for one night or an extended stay in one of the guest rooms at the Hôtel particulier. Take advantage of this property and its exceptional setting right in the center of Niort, a 5-minute walk from the train station and pedestrian streets with their banks of Sevres. Let yourself be charmed by the warm, elegant decor of our "Belles Dames" and "Animaux fantastiques" rooms. During your stay, we'll serve you a breakfast featuring fresh, local quality produce. And why not extend the pleasure with a table d'hôtes in the house's vaulted cellar. The boudoir (hidden room) is a tea room by day with a roaring fire, and a bar reserved for guests in the early evening. French art de vivre par excellence! Bicycle parking is available in a closed shelter: the Vélo Francette stage is just 5 minutes away.

Hotel located in the city centre of Niort, close to the gardens of the Brèche, 800 m. from the SNCF train station, 5 mn by car from the access to the toll and 50 mn from La Rochelle. 44 air-conditioned rooms, bar, paid hotel garage (10 €/day) and covered public parking close to the hotel. Breakfast and unlimited wifi included in the rates. Partner restaurants in the street of the hotel, 2 mn walk: brasserie-pizzeria «Le Sorrento» and «Les Relais d'Alsace» (Alsatian specialities). Ideas for outings: historic center of Niort and its Coulée Verte, Marais Poitevin (walks in boat or canoe, by bike, horse or on foot), La Rochelle and the island of Ré, the Futuroscope, the Puy du Fou, Zoodyssée de Chizé and zoo of the Palmyra. Receptionist 24/7.

Discover our hotel which offers 32 air conditioned rooms. The hotel is conveniently situated in the Marais Poitevin. La Rochelle (50min), Futuroscope (60min). Just 10 minutes from the motorway exit and 5 minutes from the town centre. Visit the old traditional villages and explore the Marais Poitevin. Private parking available. Wi-Fi available. Terrace available for a quiet breakfast.

We have refurbished this characterful farmhouse with all the comforts to allow you to recharge your batteries and stay in the peace and quiet, away from the crowds In the middle of the fields but close to the village, it includes four spacious guest rooms with independent entrance, private toilets and bathrooms. Breakfast is served in the dining room or in the garden, where you can enjoy homemade jams and sweets, organic products, local specialities, drinks and various breads. We adapt to your dietary preferences (egg-free, milk-free, gluten-free etc) We put at your disposal a fully equipped kitchenette, a living room shared with the guests but independent from ours, a relaxation room/library, the garden with barbecue and garden furniture. Babies are welcome free of charge, equipment is available on request. Parking on the spot

1000 years of history... Ten centuries ago, a building appeared in the commune of Celles (the name of the commune of Celles-sur-Belle until 1892): the Royal Abbey. The latter, whose first abbot was named Jean d'Usson, became an ecclesiastical lordship which never ceased to grow richer and richer thanks to donations and offerings, but which was also destroyed and rebuilt on numerous occasions Come and discover the museographic spaces with collections of objects of worship and ecclesiastical vestments. Thanks to the tablets and the "Touch to see", the objects are tactilely readable by all. You will love walking through the French gardens, the insect gardens and the simple gardens... Discover also the Abbey church, the museum of old motorcycles as well as the exhibitions and festivals (in summer).

Area located in the centre of town, green park with playground for children.

Its name would be a forum alteration (place of public meetings). In 1981, at the Champ-Royal, excavations revealed the remains of an ancient Vicus (small town) stretching over 3 hectares with villas, thermal baths, porticoes and forum. Cited for the first time in 1100, Fors is protected by its fortress, an advanced citadel of the castle of Niort erected by the Count of Poitou to delay the advance of attackers coming from the south. In 1494, the châtelain was Guy Poussard, advisor to the king, whose daughter Anne became the first mistress of the Comte d'Angoulême, the future Francis I who would have had him build a mansion of pleasure on the site of the castel. Some of the towers were used to build a bourgeois house in the 19th century. Today, only ruins remain of the castle. To see: Notre Dame church, old cheese factory (private), bread oven, and arboretum of the Pétousse.

This small rural municipality, located in the heart of the plain, between Poitou and Saintonge, is crossed to the north by the Marmais stream and to the south by the Courance. Named for the first time in the 13th century, it belonged to the Chizé castle, then to the Marquisat de Fors. The village, grouped around its Romanesque church, completely redesigned over the centuries, today retains its agricultural vocation. To see: church of Saint-Maixent, former windmill of Grand Noyer, wash house and communal educational apiary.

The Château de la Bône, a property composed of an 18th century cellar and a 19th century castle, is ideal for family and business meetings. Chai St-Jean (470 m2) is approved for a seating capacity of 450 people and can be adjusted according to the number of people and the type of event. Courtyard of 280 m2, ideal for cocktails, buffet or wine of honor. Equipment: video projector, overhead projector, screen, flipchart and Wifi access. Ancillary services: professional kitchen (oven, 7 levels, double boiler, worktops, cold room and ice machines); approved parking, furniture (tables and chairs); silverware, silverware, glassware, embroidered trimmings and decorative elements; sanitary. Park: walks in the cavalry alleys and on all the land adjoining the castle.

First mentioned in 986, this rural municipality, watered by the Courance, is located on the edge of the forest massif of Chizé. According to popular tradition, the nomadic king Francis I, owner of a kennel at Rimbault, village of Marigny until 1929, hunted deer. He appreciated the grape varieties of the locality like the crazy white for the white wine and the balzac for the red wine. In 1910, Yves Rabault, the Poitevin bard, author of Histouères et chantuseries, was born in the town, a collection of all his works, including the famous Sauce aux Lumas. To see: castle of Péré-en-Forêt (15th, 17th and 19th centuries), church of St-Jean-l'Evangéliste (choir classified as a historical monument), former hunting event of Groichère (rural houses characteristic of the end of the Middle Ages).

Its name derives from the Gallic bank designating the edge of a road or from the German berg meaning height and Groie which is a brown limestone land. The seigneury was first mentioned in 1244 and was attached to that of Prahecq, then to the Marquisat de Fors until 1611. In 1791, the parish belonged to the canton of Prahecq. One of his first lords was Aubert de Poilevoisin, who was supported by Hugues de Lusignan during the conflict between him and St Louis in 1242, which led to the temporary confiscation of his lands. In 1775, there were about twenty estates, a windmill and a stud. The old building, composed mainly of farms, today testifies to the agricultural past of the municipality. To see: Ste-Marie-Madeleine church, Pré palet (dolmen slab), Town hall-school, Monument An 2000, Clan St-Martin (mare), Pointe de l'Ether, Ouchelines site and Trailer des feuilles.

Small shady park with several benches.

The Granzay-Gript Micro-Folie is a platform for sharing works of art from major artistic and cultural institutions. In Granzay-Gript, it revolves around a Digital Museum where visitors can discover these works using touch-screen tablets. A Virtual Reality area with headsets is also available, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in cultural videos, all at 360° (ages 13 and up). Creative workshops, games and themed tours are also organized throughout the year. All activities are free of charge. The Digital Museum is open for self-guided tours on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons from 2pm to 6pm, and for groups by prior arrangement on Tuesdays, Wednesday mornings, Thursdays and Fridays. Information by e-mail or telephone. CLOSED FROM DECEMBER 20 TO JANUARY 6, 2024

Near Niort, the town, sometimes town, sometimes village, is crossed by Guirande. It bears this name in memory of the villa of the Gallo-Roman Afer or the implantation of a Roman legion of African soldiers. Thanks to its residential attractiveness, the current municipality, formed by the meeting of the parishes of St-Pierre d'Aiffres and St-Maurice de Mairé, gives an important place to culture and community life. The famous Aiffricades and its Carnival of Spring highlight the city with its church St-Pierre and its hosannière cross from the 12th century. To see: 18th and 19th century castles, chapel of the former priory of St Clement and "the stone at Bouchet" and "the standing stone" (megaliths). To do: circuit known as Mairé and Espace Tartalin (concert hall).

Located in the communal cemetery, this high 12th century Hosannière cross, measuring 12 m. high, is one of the best preserved in Poitou. It is composed of a square base, four columns welded in cross like church pillars and crowned with a cross. Its oriented stone tablet recalls that it was a place of celebration, on the Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, where the Gospel celebrating the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem was read and on which blessed branches were placed at the chant of Hosanna (Hebrew word meaning "Save us, please"). Listed as a historic monument in 1889, it was restored in the 1930s and again in 2000 following the 1999 storm.

Gastronomic restaurant at the Château du Domaine du Griffier. Inventive "homemade" cuisine of extreme quality between land and sea. A decoration between tradition and modernity. Think of the terrace on sunny days: the view of the castle is sumptuous. Catering activity for your receptions or weddings at Domaine du Griffier.

18th century house in a classified park of 3 hectares. Seminar, pool, tennis court, guest rooms. Traditional catering, fresh seasonal produce. Open all year from Tuesday to Saturday.

New and modern, the Poitou-Charentes area offers plenty of opportunities to relax and restore you to enjoy your break in our region.

Set in 53 hectares of verdant parkland, the bar-restaurant Au 19 is the restaurant of the Niort golf course. Open to all, you'll enjoy simple products and refined cuisine, 100% fresh and homemade. A professional team welcomes you every day from 9am to 7pm. Menu from 14.90 ? to 29 ? 90 free parking spaces

15 min from Niort and 20 min from the Marais Poitevin, Nathalie and Eric welcome you to their guest house, a small château built in 1891, the former home of a Cognac merchant, in the village of Fors. Enclosed west-facing garden, parking in enclosed courtyard. On the second floor, the Jonquille room with magnificent 15m² bathroom and private toilet. In a wing of the Château, the 2 rooms Myosotis and Les Lys (in the tower) can be rented in 3 ways: complete privatization of the wing (Myosotis and Les Lys) or Myosotis and its bathroom or Les Lys. On the 2nd floor, the Iris room, a family suite overlooking the garden. You'll enjoy a lovely, spacious living room on the ground floor, with a dining area, where you can prepare your own meals, or order them from a caterer. Breakfasts, with homemade jams, are served in the Tower or on the terrace in fine weather.

The lodging "Les Ormeaux", completely transformed agricultural building, combines comfort, space and tranquility, in a hamlet close to the forest of Chizé and the Charente-Maritime. Ground floor: large kitchen-living-room (62 m2, microwave, DVD, Wifi Internet), Ch1 (12.5 m2 - bed 160), ch2 (12.54 m2 - 2 beds 90), shower room and accessible wc. Floor: ch3 (10,80 m2 - 2 beds 90), ch4 (14,80 m2 - 2 beds 90), shower room and WC. Terrace (10 m2), courtyard (175 m2), garden (125 m2), 8 bicycles VTC available, portico and sandbox. New in 2019: spa available to relax. The beds are made upon your arrival. Bathroom and house linen are provided. Electric heating. Marais Poitevin at 20 minutes, Futuroscope at 1h and Puy du Fou at 2h.

The gîtes at La Guigneraie are ideal for accommodating up to 16 people, whether for short or longer stays. The estate is ideal for groups, families and friends. You can enjoy the privacy of your own private garden, or get together in the communal areas. There's plenty to do in the surrounding area, including Zoodyssée, river activities, local gastronomy, museums and castles. Our location is close to many tourist attractions, making it ideal for nature walks.

This large cottage is ideal for two people and comfortably accommodates up to four. The large, light-filled bedroom on the first floor spans the entire width of the building, and features a double and a single bed. The bathroom has a shower, bath and WC. On the first floor, you'll find a large living room with flat-screen TV, and an open kitchen with plenty of storage space. A BZ sleeps 2. A second toilet completes the upstairs bathroom. Outside, you'll find a landscaped courtyard with barbecue. - Private parking - Bed linen, towels and household linen provided - Unlimited WIFI - Semi-buried swimming pool with equipped relaxation area - Pleasure gardens - Leisure area with games for young and old.

With its generous space, this gîte offers two bedrooms and a shower room on the first floor. The first bedroom has a 140x190 bed. The second has two 90x190 beds. On the first floor, you'll find a lovely living room and a large separate kitchen where you can enjoy breakfast if you wish. Two fully-equipped gardens let you soak up the sun and relax in the shade of the vegetation, with a breathtaking view over the adjoining meadow and the possibility of eating outside on the barbecue. - Private parking - Bed linen, towels and household linen provided - Semi-buried swimming pool with equipped relaxation area - Pleasure gardens - Leisure area with games for young and old.

This spacious former forge features a large, fully-equipped kitchen on the first floor, opening onto the dining room and living room. Upstairs, the landing leads to three bright bedrooms: one with a 160x200 bed, one with a 140x190 bed and one with two 90x190 beds. All bedding is brand-new. The bathroom includes shower, bath and WC. The large courtyard completes the setting, with table, chairs, parasol and barbecue. - Free parking on the square in front of the gîte - Bed linen, towels and household linen provided - Unlimited WIFI - Semi-buried swimming pool with equipped relaxation area - Pleasure gardens - Playground with games for young and old.

Our 3 Star hotel, the “Domaine du Griffier”, built in the 18th century on 7 hectares is close to Niort (15min), consists of 33 refurbished rooms, of which 27 are classified 3 Stars and 6 are unclassified. We offer 2 reception rooms one of 380m² where 330 people can be seated and one of 210m² where up to 180 people can be seated. Furthermore we have 8 meeting rooms for up to 50 people. We also have an indoor swimming pool with a fitness area, a restaurant “La Table Sebastien” open to everyone (except Saturday afternoons, Sundays and holidays). Open throughout the year (closed from 20th December 2019 to 4th January 2020). Ideally situated close to the A10 motorway exit (Paris-Bordeaux) and close to the RN150 (route nationale: main road, Niort – Bordeaux).