Vouvant cité médiévale, porte de la Poterne
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Vouvant, visite de la tour Mélusine à Vouvant
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The ” Petites Cités de Caractère ” label recognises rural communities with an outstanding architectural heritage. It rewards the commitment of local authorities to preserving, restoring and promoting these historic villages.
In the Vendée Marais Poitevin, each town tells its own unique story: Nieul-sur-l’Autise and its royal abbey, the medieval town of Vouvant and the Renaissance village of Foussais-Payré.
Exploring these villages takes a thousand forms.
Some like to stroll through the narrow streets, climb to the top of a medieval tower or admire the sculpted facades. Others prefer to delve into the legends, push open the door of a mill or sit on a terrace to savour the peaceful atmosphere.
Each village has its own character. It’s up to you to go and meet them.
So, what kind of hero are you?
Also listed as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, Vouvant is a medieval gem!
Dominated by the Tour Mélusine, the town is linked to the famous legend of the fairy Mélusine.
With its narrow flower-lined streets, ramparts, artists’ studios and panoramic views over the Mère valley, Vouvant offers a timeless walk.
Abbaye de Nieul-sur-l'Autise - cloître
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Ruelles à Nieul-sur-l'Autise
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Maison de la Meunerie - visite du moulin - Nieul-sur-l'Autise
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Located in the Marais Poitevin, Nieul-sur-l’Autise reveals a remarkable heritage. Its royal abbey, founded in the XIᵉ century and linked to Eleanor of Aquitaine, is its centrepiece.
Around this Romanesque jewel, the village invites you to stroll: peaceful alleyways, a walk along the Autise and discover the life of a miller at the Maison de la Meunerie.
As you wander through the narrow streets of Foussais-Payré, you’ll see sculpted facades and old houses that bear witness to the village’s prosperity during the Renaissance.
Around theRomanesque church and theformer priory, the heart of the village can be explored by strolling under the old covered market, meeting the monumental sculptures or taking a gourmet break at the Ateliers du Goût chocolate factory.
Foussais Payre Eglise 1
The“Petites Cités de Caractère” label distinguishes rural villages with an outstanding architectural heritage that are committed to preserving and promoting it.
Each village has its own discovery map to help you explore the main sites and points of interest in Vouvant, Nieul-sur-l’Autise and Foussais-Payré.
These maps are available free of charge at Tourist Office reception points or can be consulted online on our website.
Yes, in addition to the Petites Cités de Caractère label, the Vendée Marais Poitevin destination has been awarded a number of heritage and landscape accolades.
The medieval town of Vouvant is listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, while Fontenay-le-Comte is a Town of Art and History and a member of the Most Beautiful Detours in France. The region is also part of the Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park, renowned for the richness of its landscapes and heritage.
These labels testify to the quality and diversity of the destination’s heritage.
