Viennay, Deux-Sèvres, Poitou-Charentes

In Châtillon-sur-Thouet, park on the car park of the greenway. A notice board will show you the starting point. Then follow the wooden markers with a bicycle and light green directional arrows. Without any particular indications, continue on your way. Discover the charm of the Gâtine and the Thouet valley: hedged farmland, waterways and scattered settlements.

This circuit can be started in several places. However, an existing parking area at the place called Monplaisir allows you to start on the Voie Verte, a pedestrian axis on the old railroad that linked Parthenay to Bressuire. After crossing the Bois du Theil and seeing some views of the surrounding fields, exit at the level crossing of the Parthenay-Fénery road at a place called Le Piogé. You then go along the property of Theil with some views on the castle or the ponds. As you pass by, you will see buildings from the end of the 19th century at Sainte-Anne and Notre-Dame. From La Timarière, a small wild and shaded path between woods and meadows brings us back to the starting point.

Departing from Parthenay, this 5.5km loop will give you the chance to discover trail running on a variety of paths, from single-track to dirt roads, wide paths, up and down stairs and small steep sections in town. In addition to discovering the practice of trail running, this route alternates between paths along the Thouet river and passages through the town, allowing you to explore Parthenay's medieval quarter, with its timber-framed houses, fortified gates and ramparts. Parthenay: Little Carcassonne of the West will hold no secrets for you!

This 3.5 km route in the heart of the town of Parthenay invites you to discover the emblematic sculptures of the town and their history. Please note that people with reduced mobility must be accompanied to take the paths that lead to the discovery of certain statues.

Parthenay, with its historic quarter of 100 timber-framed houses - the Rue de la Vau Saint-Jacques is the longest medieval street in Europe - takes the cyclist back to the time of the Seigneurs. Stroll along its winding lanes to enjoy magnificent panoramic views. Climb to the top of the flamboyant Porte Saint-Jacques to admire the rolling green countryside typical of the Gâtine region. Before heading off along the voie verte towards Fenery and Bressuire, the old railway station is the ideal place to picnic, refresh yourself or read a book left at your disposal - Gare de Clessé: former railway station being renovated to welcome tourists (restaurants, accommodation...). - Terves: donkey farm - La Chapelle-Saint-Laurent : Basilique Notre-Dame de Pitié - Bressuire: Notre-Dame church and its 56-meter high bell tower

This 7.3 km walk leads you to discover the commune of Lageon and its rich heritage and landscape Departure from the church square.

Departing from Parthenay, you set off on a 22 km loop of medium difficulty. On this route, you'll encounter few major technical difficulties, as you'll be riding almost entirely on paths ranging from single-track to wide paths. You'll go as far as La Trébesse, a pretty hamlet on the banks of the Thouet, which you'll cross several times. On the way back to Parthenay, you'll cross the Rézard ford and discover the magnificent Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre de Parthenay-le-Vieux. An excellent route for intermediate runners.

Departing from Parthenay, you set off on a 10.5 km loop of medium difficulty. The route takes you along the banks of the River Thouet, with crossings via footbridges. You'll explore Parthenay's medieval town center, with its half-timbered houses and numerous staircases to give your legs a workout! This loop combines sport and sightseeing for a great discovery experience!

Departing from Parthenay, you set off on a 49 km black difficulty route. There are few technical sections, but the difficulty lies in the number of kilometers you have to cover, giving you the chance to work on your endurance. At the start of the course, you'll find many paved sections on secondary roads, before moving on to wide paths where you can develop your stride. The final stretch is made up of small singles through the fields, before you reach Parthenay via the Voie Verte and enjoy a superb view of the town.

Departing from the Gourgé village hall, you'll set off on a 27 km red difficulty trail. It's a really interesting route, both in terms of scenery and technical difficulty, as you alternate constantly between asphalt and paths. The route is a real pain in the ass, with numerous ascents and descents. You'll cross the River Thouet several times at ford crossings, so be careful not to slip in the water! This route can be split in two by cutting through the village. A 13 km loop to the south and a 14 km loop to the north.

Imposing 14th century castle surrounded by a moat with a working drawbridge, loopholes, parapet walk, granite fireplaces, and situated in a quiet and rustic park with lots of charm. The magnificent rooms are arranged in accordance with their medieval setting. Access is via a spiral staircase. 5 majestic and spacious bedrooms (100 m2), with private bathroom or shower and wc: Seigneuriale room - double canopy bed and tapestry; Chevalier room - partitioned double bed and heraldic decorations; Sentinel room - large double canopy bed, kitchenette and spectacular views. Vaulted room (former guard room). Watchtower and Chatelaine Room.

House for 6 to 8 travelers/ 4 rooms Facing the Saint Jacques gate, charming house on the banks of the Thouet. Located at the entrance of the medieval quarter, with its two terraces, this old octroi house has been entirely renovated for your comfort. You will be carried away by its charm of another age and its soothing environment. Bright living room/kitchen of 40 m² on the ground floor. Sofas (one convertible), library, television, wifi, WC with sink. The kitchen is equipped with new comfort. Laundry room. Corridor. On the second floor, 2 bedrooms (1 double bed in each room) with private bathroom and 1 WC on the landing. On the second floor, 2 bedrooms (1 with a double bed and 1 with 2 single beds), 1 separate bathroom. 2 terraces (garden furniture and barbecue). Garage and passageway The gite is reserved for the whole period of the FLIP (July)

The gîte is located in the heart of the medieval quarter. On the first floor, there is a garage for bicycles and strollers, but no cars. The gîte comprises an open-plan space on the second floor, divided into a living room, kitchen and dining area with a medieval fireplace. This floor opens onto a courtyard with garden furniture. The second floor comprises the master bedroom with double bed (140 cm x 190 cm) overlooking the medieval street, a second bedroom with two single beds (90 cm x 190 cm), a study, toilet and shower. The interior of the gîte is non-smoking. Down the street, you'll find a bar-grocer's store 50 meters away, as well as other bars and restaurants 200 meters away, near the Saint-Jacques tower and the Thouet river. Further up the street, the town center is around 300 meters away, offering bakeries, bars and restaurants. Minimum 2-night booking

The restaurant "Le Fin Gourmet" is located in the centre of Parthenay, very close to Les Halles, a few meters from the famous Tour de l'Horloge, near a magnificent view of the Thouet and its chef, Thierry Guilbault, offers you menus every week renewed according to the seasons and the flavours of the market, as well as a rich and varied menu reinvented three times a year. Fine and refined cuisine, including a discovery menu that will delight your taste buds! Reservation recommended.

Do you wish to relax and take in a high-quaility film? And then, take a side trip to the 'Le Foyer' cinéma!

The Gatineo aquatic center consists in several facilities: the sports swimming pool (25m x 12.5 m, up to 2m deep) with its 5 lanes; you can break every record! In the wading lagoon (28m², 10 to 30 cm deep), your young children can take a dip in a congenial environment at a safe distance from the other pools. As for the recreational pool (175m², up to 1.30 deep), meant for young and old alike, you may enjoy a water jet massage, waterfalls and water cannons, domed space, a flowing river ... and a giant sliding pond, whooshing you 60 meters through a tunnel.

On the way to Compostela, a medieval town near Futuroscope, Puy du Fou, Marais Poitevin and La Rochelle. Close to the town centre and the aquatic complex, the gîte benefits from a private park and swimming pool.

Romantic Gîte

Sylvie and Christophe will be delighted to welcome you to our 220 m2 house, where you can rent one or two bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. You can also enjoy breakfast or lunch on our separate terrace. One bedroom has a double bed (140cm), and a crib is available on request. The second bedroom has a double bed (140cm) and a 2-seater sofa bed. We can easily park your bicycles, vehicles or other items. The other rooms in our house are private, but we'd be delighted to welcome you around a roaring fire in our living room, or to share a meal in our kitchen. You can use our kitchen if you wish Petanque pitch and table tennis available. Pets not allowed as we have two dogs, three cats, chickens etc...

Old detached house completely renovated located in a quiet and green environment. Lounge/dining room, fully equipped kitchen, shower room, separate toilet. 3 attic bedrooms upstairs. Enclosed garden with trees and barbecue, garden furniture. At 2.5 km from the village of Gourgé (shops, restaurant). At Parthenay (14 km), all shops, medieval town, festivals. 3 golf courses nearby (30/35 km). Lake of Cébron (8 km) ornithological reserve, fishing, swimming pool. Ideally situated to discover the Futuroscope, the Marais Poitevin or the Puy du Fou.

Greenhouses for the cultivation of peppers and peppers; sale of fresh fruit and by-products, delicatessen, spices of the world, original jams. Shop on the site. Tasting workshops, experimental tour of the greenhouse, children's workshops and mini menagerie.

Located in the heart of the Gâtine region, a stone's throw from Parthenay in the Deux-Sèvres, La Berthonnière has been cultivating a passion for generations: working with nature to produce tasty fruits and vegetables for the general public and the wholesale trade. The family farm, developed since 1930, has been able to expand its domain over the years with a sensitivity for direct sales to the store as well as the picking of fruit and more recently vegetables thanks to the arrival of two market gardeners.

Located just in back of the Chatillon sur Thouet town hall, with an area for a promenade and a visit of the animal park (donkeys, deer, peacocks, swans, does, ducks…)

Recreational as well as cultural, mediatheques offer literary, musical, documentary resources for one and all: From the new-born baby to the senior citizen, from the novice to the erudite, from the dreamer to the researcher, mediatheques both fuel and satisfy the public's curiosity.

Built in the 10th century, the Saint-Pierre church depended on the priory of the faubourg Saint-Paul de Parthenay. It is one of the rare regional examples of pre-Romanesque buildings, along with the churches of Gourgé and Saint-Généroux.

In limit with the commune of Châtillon-su-Thouet, the bridge of Sunay spans the Cébron. This medieval bridge is one of the oldest in the canton of Parthenay. Currently in the middle of meadows, it was located on the former main road from Parthenay to Bressuire. On the other side of the pond, another medieval bridge is located in the commune of Châtillon.

Food truck serving Creole specialties from Reunion Island. Possibility to order. Reservation for big events (birthdays, parties...) Thursday, Friday and Sunday in Châtillon. Friday in Thénezay.

Come and sample the delicious breads, pastries and viennoiseries made by the team at La Carte, an artisan bakery and patisserie located in Parthenay and Châtillon-sur-Thouet in the Deux-Sèvres region.

L'Estaminet is located in the heart of the historical district, the St-Jacques district. Bar-resto (Cuisine from here and elsewhere with fresh products and a different menu every day). Pancakes and pancakes in the afternoon. Aperitif board in the evening.... The schedules are indicative and variable according to the frequentation and the request. Wifi access !

The Restaurant-Brasserie " Le Pélican " welcomes you from Monday to Friday, at lunchtime, for a service from 11:30 am to 2 pm. Businessman in a hurry, extended business meal? eat at your own pace by enjoying our buffet or our menu according to your mood! At the buffet, discover a traditional cuisine with a wide choice of starters, cold or hot dishes, such as beef bourguignon, blanquette. A la carte, enjoy our cuisine based on local beef with specialties such as entrecote or calf's head. The Pelican is open on request in the evening and at weekends. You can also rent the room for your evenings, parties, receptions or seminars with our "Chollet Traiteur" services.

Eating well means enjoying a simple, pleasant moment over a good meal. In the residence, every dish is prepared on site by our chef and his team, with an emphasis on simple, tasty recipes. Our menus are inspired by "home-style" meals, with dishes made from fresh, seasonal produce. We offer meals that combine balance and pleasure, so that you can enjoy a moment of relaxation and conviviality around the table. Each month we discover a different country through local recipes.

Coming to the medieval quarter of Parthenay, and pushing open the door of La Gargante, is like taking a gourmet break out of time. La Gargante is THE destination for lovers of good food and good drink. A genuine alternative to traditional restaurants, La Gargante is a cellar serving food, craft beers and natural wines (Raisin label), with a terrace and several tasting rooms. Cheese platters, charcuterie platters, antipasti platters, Pata Negra platters, homemade tarts or quiches, roast camembert, candlelit raclette, "Karine & Jeff" vegetarian dishes, "La Cour des Saveurs" medieval recipes, as well as a wide selection of pâtés, rillettes, spreads, chips... It's also a chef's residence. By following our FB page, you'll be kept up to date with events in the restaurant in the colors of the chef in residence.

A journey full of flavours awaits you at Bong Laï where you will be warmly welcomed by the smiling Kim.taste the Vietnamese and Chinese specialities prepared with delicacy by Michel and Mui.come and discover tasty dishes elaborated from fresh products, all home-made.

Simple, family-style catering, made with local produce and cooked on the spot couscous is the house specialty.

Small brewery located in downtown in front of the Palais des Congrès. Bar, tobacco, press, FDJ, PMU.

Céline welcomes you in a warm and friendly setting. Traditional cuisine and good humour at the Rendez-vous! Speciality from October to April: calf's head with gribiche sauce every Thursday. Salad menu in the summer in addition to the daily menu.

5 bedroom house with enclosed garden, located 5 minutes from Parthenay, on the town of Viennay (along the axis Parthenay / Thouars) about 1 hour from the Puy du Fou, the Futuroscope and the Marais Poitevin. 4 rooms offer a double bed and 1 room offers bunk beds. You will also find 3 bathrooms, 1 kitchen (with oven, microwave, coffee maker, kettle, dishwasher) and 1 living room with TV and wi-fi. In the garden, garden furniture, a football pitch and a gas hob are at your disposal.

Imposing 14th century castle surrounded by a moat with a working drawbridge, loopholes, parapet walk, granite fireplaces, and situated in a quiet and rustic park with lots of charm. The magnificent rooms are arranged in accordance with their medieval setting. Access is via a spiral staircase. 5 majestic and spacious bedrooms (100 m2), with private bathroom or shower and wc: Seigneuriale room - double canopy bed and tapestry; Chevalier room - partitioned double bed and heraldic decorations; Sentinel room - large double canopy bed, kitchenette and spectacular views. Vaulted room (former guard room). Watchtower and Chatelaine Room.

Country house, fully renovated and equipped to accommodate a family of 4. It offers every comfort for relaxing in the countryside. The house is located close to the owners, but offers independent access. It is close to the Nantes-Poitiers axis.

Superb town house in the medieval center of Parthenay

House for 6 to 8 travelers/ 4 rooms Facing the Saint Jacques gate, charming house on the banks of the Thouet. Located at the entrance of the medieval quarter, with its two terraces, this old octroi house has been entirely renovated for your comfort. You will be carried away by its charm of another age and its soothing environment. Bright living room/kitchen of 40 m² on the ground floor. Sofas (one convertible), library, television, wifi, WC with sink. The kitchen is equipped with new comfort. Laundry room. Corridor. On the second floor, 2 bedrooms (1 double bed in each room) with private bathroom and 1 WC on the landing. On the second floor, 2 bedrooms (1 with a double bed and 1 with 2 single beds), 1 separate bathroom. 2 terraces (garden furniture and barbecue). Garage and passageway The gite is reserved for the whole period of the FLIP (July)

16th Century timber-framed house located in the heart of the medieval quarter near the tourist office and the Saint-Jacques gate.

A jacquarian halt reserved only for pilgrims with a credential in their possession (credential available in religious bookshops or at the Bressuire presbytery). This halt is located on the Way of St. James on the way to Santiago de Compostela in the heart of the medieval quarter of Parthenay. It offers you the gite to make a stopover in Parthenay and puts at your disposal a kitchen with a fridge, hotplates and a microwave. On site you will find 5 individual beds, 1 shower and WC. Beware, sheets are not provided, remember to bring your own duvets!

Stay in a charming timber-framed house in the heart of Parthenay's historic district. This house offers you a bedroom with a 140cm bed and a comfortable sofa bed for 2 people.

The Le Château des Plans residence is located in the town center, close to all amenities. This location is ideal for strolling through its magnificent grounds and discovering the medieval city of Parthenay. Le Château des Plans offers a host of services, including a gym, swimming pool and hydro-massage bed. A quality setting, ideal for a rejuvenating stay. We offer one- or two-bedroom accommodation for 1 to 4 people, by the night, week or month. RATES INCLUDE: bed and bath linen, end-of-stay cleaning, swimming pool, gym, parking, wifi, air conditioning, staff available 24/7 Catering available at extra charge and upon reservation.

This medieval inn, restored in the respect of traditions, welcomes you on 3 levels in a warm and atypical setting. Capacity from 8 to 11 people. Change of scenery guaranteed: fireplace, large living room, 3 bedrooms and an alcove, courtyard and small garden in the heart of the medieval district of Parthenay, near the town centre. Internet and wifi. Deposit for one week rental : 350 €. Tourist tax of 0.75€ per night and per person over 18 years old.