La Vienne Region
The Vienne offers a captivating array of attractions, which will guarantee you a trip to remember. The variety of scenery and the range of cultural attractions are never-ending. From historical sites, to gourmet cuisine, La Vienne will offer you a true taste of France and the French lifestyle
Pass your mouse over the map areas, for a description of each region within the Vienne
The Loudun area, countryside of vineyards and tradition, is situated in the heart of Poitou, Touraine and Anjou. It offers an interesting and relaxing stopover between Futuroscope and the Loire Chateaux. A countryside full of possibilities for activities, discoveries and encounters... from the St Hilaire Leisure Park at Roffe to the fascinating and tree lined Celtica Park in Bournand, going via the old town of Loudun.
The regional wines are clear and fruity. They can be found either in coolness of the limestone cellars or hiding in the shade of the proud windmills or simply by wandering through the small village markets. They have the same sweet smell as the Loire wines but they preserve the rustic nature of the Haut-Poitou, as epitomised by the children’s favourite, the friendly Poitou donkey.
Whilst nothing in Chatellerault typifies the heritage of the Vienne Valley better than the Henry IV bridge or the old Munitions factory, it is the beautiful countryside which makes the surroundings truly outstanding. Along with the Mouliere forest in the south, so wild and untouched, and the Pinail Nature Reserve with it’s fascinating marsh where rare species of plants, insects and other migrating birds meet.
Since the beginning of time, the waters of LaRoche Posay have healed and relieved its visitors from all over Europe. It’s wild and omnipresent water touches and gives rhythm to the life of these superb roman cities, following the example of Angles-sur-l’Anglin, which is classed amongst the most beautiful villages in France.
The Six Valleys, countryside of tales and legends, harbours a very special magic. It is made up of surprising waterways, roman churches, castles full of history, of lively villages and even a surprising archaeological site in Sanxay. A countryside where we literally dive into the past to discover the tanners in Lavausseau along the Boivre or follow the tracks of Melusine and the Building Fairy of Lusigan...
Poitiers, a warm and lively city with many narrow alleyways situated around its historic university. A favourite stop over for roman art lovers who are able to find many different reasons to stroll around and discover the town. In the north, across the Clain Valley, sports fans will be just as delighted with the lake at St Cry and the International Welcome Centre which includes a variety of sports and leisure activities.
In the heart of the Vienne Valley, the Chauvinois is set on stone. From the glistening medieval city of Chauvigny, where you can find the Chateau of Eagles, to the roman frescoes in St Savin’s Abbey, which are classified by UNESCO as objects of world wide heritage... Not forgetting to stop off at the superb Chateau of Touffou in Bonnes!
With the Charente River in the extreme south of the region, the Civraisien baths in a real haven of greenery. It is countryside with a capital C! So, forget your car and let yourself be charmed by the small villages with narrow alleyways, by the pathways and by the meandering waterways, over flowing with nature... on foot, bicycle, horse or even by boat, whatever takes your fancy.
Looking for new sensational cultural or sporting experiences? Montmorillon and it’s region offers a feast of original and surprising activities, from the City of Writing and book making in the heart of the superb medieval city, right up to the racing circuit in the Vienne Valley or Snake Island in La Trimouille.
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