Ideas for Great Days Out in the Deux-Sèvres & Vienne
There's plenty to do in this beautiful part of the world. Here are a few suggestions...
Marais Poitevin
Visit this stunning marshland for a quite different French experience. The ‘Marais’ is made up of a series of natural water channels and man-made canals creating a lovely landscape of meadows, fens and dykes. Commonly referred to as Venise Verte or ‘Green Venice’ it is also full of wildlife. The best way to see it is to hire a flat-bottomed barques and float along the water at your own pace. There are plenty of lovely villages where you can stop for refreshment. Read more.
Poitiers
A quarter of the population here are students at Poitiers Univerisity, giving the town a lively, bustling atmosphere. It’s a great town to stroll around from the tree-lined Place Mar Leclerc filled with cafés in the summer, through cobbled, pedestrianised streets flanked by a mix of centuries-old architecture and half-timbered houses, many of which have been transformed into lovely little boutique shops. The town has a long and varied history - French queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, annulled her marriage to Louis VII to marry King Henry II of England, and they established their court here, and Joan of Arc tried to claim the city - which means there are plenty of historical sites to see including Notre-Dame-la-Grande church. At Parc de Blossac admire the landscaped gardens that include an English style rose garden as well as a grotto, ornamental lake and pavilion, and a small zoo with monkeys, deer and birds. Read more
Futuroscope
The Poitou-Charentes’ top tourist attraction – and the second in all of France - is a theme park that uses the latest in 3D technology to create eye-opening films and heart-stopping rides. The 60-hectare park, with landscaped gardens and fountains, contains a number of futuristic-looking pavilions in which the films and rides are housed. At the end of the day is an evening show, this year created by the man behind the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, and is an extravaganza of lights, music, laser special effects and fireworks. Read more
Morning market and performing birds
In the Vienne, the town of Chauvigny is considered to have one of the best markets in the area with of fresh produce, plants, chickens, jewellery, clothing, shoes and all manner of household goods. Saturday morning is a particularly good time to visit. Afterwards, either have a picnic with your freshly bought provisions or head up into the old town for lunch at one of the restaurants on the square. In the afternoon take in a performance of Les Géants du Ciel (www.geantsduciel.com), a show of free-flying birds of prey that’s children will love – although adults seem to like it too! Afterwards, wander through the old town with its Donjon and other medieval buildings.
Monkeys & roses
Mountain gorillas are one of the stars of the show at La Vallee des Singes (www.la-vallee-des-singes.fr) which also has thirty species of ape and monkey, many of which are free to swing and leap around you as you walk. The best way to see the animals is to follow the feeding schedule – handed to you with your ticket. Watch out! The chimpanzees, rescued from an overseas animal laboratory, have a tendency to throw their food at the audience and you’re not safe even in the back row! There are restaurants throughout the park and near the exit an excellent adventure playground for children. A discounted ticket offer includes the Parc de la Belle (www.parcdelabelle.com), six hectares and of horticultural beauty including a rose and water garden, plus a farmyard with animals for children to pet. The park also has tree top cabins that can be hired for the night, and the price includes breakfast in the morning.
Crocodiles and snakes
One of the Vienne’s newest attractions is the Planete des Crocodiles (www.planete-crocodiles.com) Here you can see more than 200 crocodiles from around the world, the different types housed in large bio-sphere that reflect their native habitat. From one scaly reptile to another – nearby L'Isle Aux Serpents (www.ileauxserpents.com) has 50 species of reptile, including snakes, iguanas, lizards and turtles. These two attractions are included in a discounted ticket offer that also includes Le Vieux Cormenier (www.levieuxcormenier.com), a recreation of rural French life in the early 20th century, and the swimming pool at Abyssea.
Parthenay and Thouars
In the north of the Deux-Sèvres, the historic towns of Parthenay and Thouars offer a fascinating day out. Parthenay is an ancient fortified town that sits on a rocky crag flanked on two sides by the River Thouet. Walk its old streets - The old street known as Vaux St-Jacques is especially atmospheric. Nearby Thouars also lies on the old pilgrim route and its imposing 17th century Château des Ducs de La Trémoïlle is certainly worth a look; on many Sundays there are guided tours. (www.thouars.fr/vah). Around the town is a small wine-growing area producing what are know as the Vins de Thouarsais. Though not well known, they are excellent wines - not surprising perhaps when you consider you are so close to the well-known Saumur and Anjou appellations. Check out the local vins de Thouarsais producers to see if you can get a tasting!
SEE ALSO:
Great Days Out in the Charente
Great Days Out in the Charente-Maritime