welcome guide 2009 2010 from Pays du Bocage Bressuirais by axi-media

POITOU-CHARENTES

CHARENTE CHARENTE MARITIME DEUX-SEVRES VIENNE

Pays du Bocage Bressuirais

(80 km)

2009 - 2010 welcome guide

An Atlantic adventure ...

This 370-kilometre stretch of the Atlantic coast boasts some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in France with long beaches of white sand alternating with rugged cliffs, pine woods and marshes. Step back into history as you gaze at all the coastal military fortifications that marked the gateway to the New World, over a distance stretching from La Rochelle to Fort Boyard and Brouage. Take your time, go for a stroll or a sail and let yourself be gently rocked by the sea-scented winds from a wonderful oceanic adventure. Inland, there is an abundance of expertise. Admire the skills of the salt pan workers. Take a look at our square dip-nets and watch our fishermen at work. See our mussel and oyster farmers. All these talents make our coastal food among the most varied and best-known in France.

Adventure nestles in the depths of the valleys ...

The valleys of Poitou-Charentes form an area of waterways, history and legend, where a succession of contrasting landscapes unfurl along the banks of the rivers flowing through them – the Boutonne, Thouet, Gartempe, Vienne, Charente, Tardoire, and Seugne, not to mention the waterways known as the Marais Poitevin. Go with the flow along our rivers dotted with fords, wash-houses, hamlets and villages steeped in character. A thousand and one surprises await you. For millions of years, Man has shaped our valleys. PoitouCharentes is an area that knows how to extend a warm welcome.

A Romanesque adventure on the roads to Santiago de Compostela ... Along the 820 kilometres of road leading to Santiago de Compostela, you will cross the most beautiful bridges and see the most beautiful of all the Romanesque churches. There are 800 churches in all here and their porches, capitals and plethora of modillions are sure to fire your imagination.You will be able to combine history with our amazingly diverse landscapes, flora and fauna on a trip that has all the quiet serenity of a time you thought had gone for ever. On the way, enjoy some of our local fare and stop over in some unusual accommodation.

Adventure is never far away here and it is first and foremost linked to Nature. Travel along our waterways, our highways and byways and discover some of our best-kept secrets. Whether you prefer walking, riding or cycling, PoitouCharentes belongs to those who take the time to discover its true essence. The guide book will help you on your way.

8 rue Riffault - BP 56 - 86002 POITIERS CEDEX tel. (+33) (0) 549 50 10 50 - fax: (+33) (0) 549 41 37 28 Courriel : crt@poitou-charentes-vacances.com www.poitou-charentes-vacances.com

Comité Régional du Tourisme

CRTPC/VP © Photos CRTPC/ P. Bonneau - P. Boulesteix - J. Villégier.

“ADVENTURE”: Instructions for Use

Make holiday memories in Deux-Sèvres Being on holiday is all about taking time out of your everyday routine, just thinking about your holidays provides escapism. Holidays are also, above all, about making memories – filling your days with action-packed activities. Finally, holidays are the stories that we tell when we get home, to prolong and share the best moments.

Everyone will have their own story to tell after visiting Deux-Sèvres:

Enter the mysterious world of the Poitevin marsh Fans of exceptional preserved and peaceful natural sites www.vacances-marais-poitevin.net

Enter the secret world of rocks

A romantic holiday where you will enjoy the local way of life in surprising surroundings www.vacances-de-caractere.net

A different kind of holiday

As a family, seeking authenticity, simple pleasures and enjoying time together www.vacances-autrement.net

A healthier form of transport

Leave your car at home and experience the freedom of a cycling holiday, with friends or family www.vacances-a-velo.net

What takes your fancy: nature, fun activities, sporting activities or sightseeing? You will find plenty of things to choose from on these pages. The prices shown in this guide are for 2009 and are therefore shown only by way of example for 2010. Happy holidays in Deux-Sèvres, in the PAYS DU BOCAGE BRESSUIRAIS. The local tourist office team is at your service for further information.

www.tourisme-bocage.com

Simple pleasures

p2à9 - Gardens, parks and arboretum - Wars of the Vendée - Markets, gastronomic events and farm exploration

Learn through play p 10 à 14 - Fun for all the family - Attractions - Nature and adventure

Breaks of character p 15 à 19 - Heritage - A religious land

Active holidays p 20 à 24 - Hikes - Fishing - For thrill-seekers - Events - Entertainment venues

b ’

The simple life

ack to basics ’’

Holidays are an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to relax in peaceful surroundings. Isn’t that something we all need? Fresh air, healthy food, plenty of room to get some exercise or lounge around – whichever takes your fancy. You will find all this in abundance in the Pays du Bocage Bressuirais, in our natural sites, villages and gardens. La coulée verte (MAP E-4) at the foot of the château of Bressuire is a pleasant walk

for families; you are bound to come across some beavers who are too fat to scarper at your approach, as well as some strange sculptures amongst the apple trees!

Information : all our walking tours are on sale at the tourist office (see: back of IGN map)

Gardens Bressuire Nueil-Les-Aubiers

J'ai descendu dans mon jardin (bis) Pour y cueillir du romarin. Gentil coquelicot, Mesdames, Gentil coquelicot, nouveau.

TOURNELAY ESTATE (MAP G-6) in Nueil-Les-Aubiers.

Around the XIXth century château stretches a French parterre and a landscaped arboretum measuring 30 ha. Exceptional view of woods, ponds and the river. Enclosed vegetable garden measuring 6000 m², (listed in the inventaire supplémentaire monument historique – supplementary list of historic monuments). Impressive set of outbuildings. One hundred year old windmill, measuring 23 m.

Opening times for 2009: 12 July - 23 August from 12:00 – 18:00, plus “garden days” in June and “heritage days” in September. Open by appointment all year round. Prices for 2009 : €5 for adults, free for children under 12. Tél. : +33 549 656 113

Tournelay Estate

Arboretum Beaulieu

Immerse yourself in a world of plants for 3 hours and discover 2000 species (including many rare ones) from around the world in a 15 hectare country park. Your guide, Geneviève Sauvé, a passionate botanist, will show you her world.

Arboretum de la Croix Verte Les Noues - ARBOFOR (MAP F-5) Beaulieu-Sous-Bressuire

Different routes are provided, depending on the season. The guide covers the history, biology and ecology of the species and gives gardening advice. (Walking shoes recommended).

Guided tours scheduled in 2009 starting at 14:30 precisely: 10 and 24 May - 6, 7 and 21 June - 5 and 19 July - 2, 9 and 23 August - 6, 19 and 20 September - 4 and 18 October -1st November. Individual or group tours can be arranged by appointment all year round. Pets permitted if on a lead. Available on site: shop, plants for sale. Prices for 2009: adults: €6; 10/15 yrs: €3; free for children under 10 Tél. : +33 609 177 873 or +33 549 723 562 Email: sauveg@wanadoo.fr

Parks

Domaine du Puy Genest

Domaine de la Roche

Cerizay

Garden Bressuire

Picnic in the heart of the two country parks with free access in Cerizay (MAP H-4), ), each housing a XIXth century château: PUY GENEST ESTATE, where you can observe the neoGothic architecture of the château, and LA ROCHE ESTATE, with its artificial lake, restored former farm (where exhibitions and festivities are held) and not forgetting the fitness trails and children’s playgrounds.

Logis de Riparfonds (MAP E-5) in Bressuire. This is very reminiscent of a

stately garden of the Renaissance, just the type that would have been found at the end of the XVIth century. It contains galleries covered with vines, box-trimmed hedges and raised parterres planted with vegetables.

The tour is free and only available by appointment (except during “rendezvous with the garden”). Tours are carried out with a guide or in the presence of the owner. Tél. : +33 549 743 971 - Saint-Porchaire

Email: paineau.p@wanadoo.fr

Fountain in the garden of Riparfonds

Fruit store in la Mignauderie park

Parks Mauléon Maulévrier

LA MIGNAUDERIE PARK (MAP I-6) in Mauléon

Created in the XIXth century, in the spirit of English-style landscaped gardens, this park has approximately 500 species of trees and offers a rich botanical area where Cedars of Lebanon, Japanese larches, Dutch elms, Portugal laurels stand side by side…

THE ORIENTAL PARK of Maulévrier (MAP I-8) Created at the end of the XIXth century, this Japanese garden has a wide variety of plants symbolising harmony and serenity.

Take in the serenity Day trip idea Morning: Tournelay Estate in Nueil-Les-Aubiers (p 2) Afternoon: Oriental park of Maulévrier

Oriental park of Maulévrier

Opening times for 2009 : 15 March - 30 November: March - April - October - November: Tuesday - Saturday From 14:00 – 18:00, Sundays and bank holidays from 14:00 – 19:00; May- June - September: Monday – Friday from 14:00 – 18:00, Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays from 14:00 – 19:00; July – August: every day from 10:30 – 19:30 Prices for: adults: € 6 (daytime visit) and €10 (garden at night). 12 - 18 year olds and students € 5 (-12 yrs old: free) Tél. : +33 241 555 014 - www.parc-oriental.com

La Rochejaquelein at St Aubin de Baubigné

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A strong sense of mutual aid, the legacy of this bloody conflict which left its mark on the land and the people

oyalty ’’

Château of Bressuire

Wars in the Vendée

Vive à jamais la République ! Le traitre Stofflet a vécu Et des chouans l’espoir unique (bis) L’infâme Charette est vaincu.

The Bocage Bressuirais is the south-west section of the “Vendée Militaire”. From 1792, the peasants of the region started rising up in protest against conscription, the undermining of their freedom to worship and the Bourgeois, who were imposing levies. In 1793, there was an uprising: the army of the “Whites” (Royalists) confronted the “Blues” (Republicans) in bloody battles. Châtillon-sur-Sèvre (now Mauléon), for a while became the capital of the “Vendée Militaire”. Fierce battles took place there. The Infernal Columns of Generals Grignon, “the Butcher of Bressuire”, Westerman and Turreau reduced the area to ashes and massacred its inhabitants. It was not until 1800, and Bonaparte’s reestablishment of the freedom to practise the Catholic religion, that the population was pacified. Henri de La Rochejaquelein, made his mark in history at the age of 21, and is probably the most famous of the Vendée generals. To the peasants, who offered to take the lead against the republicans, he uttered a phrase which is still famous: “If I advance, follow me! If I retreat, kill me! If I die, avenge me!”

Republican song

Chouan in Mauléon 18th century counter-revolutionary in the Vendée

Château of La Durbelière in Saint-Aubin de Baubigné

Mauléon

Souvenirs of the wars in the Vendée CORNET MILL (MAP F-3) in Terves Site of battles in August 1792 Le Bois du Moulin aux chèvres (MAP G-6) in Nueil-Les-Aubiers. Memorial of the wars of the Vendée: the scene of two violent battles in 1793 between the inhabitants of the Vendée and the republican troops. SAINT-RÉMI CHURCH (XIth-XIVth century) in Courlay (MAP G-3). Witness to 1000 years of history and many vicissitudes (religious wars, wars in the Vendée…), it includes a Romanesque section from the XIth century and a Gothic section from the XIVth century. The stained glass windows portray scenes from the wars in the Vendée. Don’t miss the three magnificent alter pieces dating from the XVIIth century, notably the plant ornaments and drapes inherited from the Baroque period. THE MUSEUMS of Mauléon, Cholet, the Audiovisual Museum of the Wars of the Vendée and the Cinéscénie (outdoor show) at Puy-du-Fou also bear witness to this period.

THE CHOLET ART AND HISTORY MUSEUM

(MAP K-9) Opening times for 2009 : Wednesday – Sunday and bank holidays. From 10:00 – 12:00 and from 14:00 – 18:00 (except 1st May) Prices for 2009 : Adults : € 3 - Cezam card holders: € 1.70 Tél. : +33 241 492 900 - 27 avenue de l’abreuvoir - Cholet

«Henri de La Rochejacquelein at the battle of Cholet in 1793» Cholet Art and History Museum

Trip idea (over 2 days) Morning: Cholet Art and History Museum Afternoon: hike in the sunken lanes of le Pin 12.5 km (see back of IGN map) Morning: Introduction to Mauléon tour, the former capital of the Vendée Militaire (p 18). Afternoon: hike in Nueil-Les-Aubiers 8 km (le Bois du Moulin aux chèvres, see back of IGN map)

Château of Mauléon

«The wars of the Vendée» stained glass windows - Courlay

Wars in the Vendée

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lavours’’ Markets are the best way of showcasing our local produce: high quality beef and veal, brioche du Thouaret in Chiché, local farm produce: poultry, ostriches, venison, goat’s cheese, duck-based canned foods, seasonal vegetables and also Atlantic fish stalls.

MARKETS Bressuire: On Tuesday (stalls set up in the streets and in the covered markets) and Saturday (in the covered markets only).

Cerizay: Saturday in the covered markets and market the 1st Monday of the month.

Mauléon: Friday in the covered markets Nueil-Les-Aubiers: Friday and Saturday

Markets

In summer, there are many farmer’s markets (ask at the tourist office for more information).

OTHER GASTRONOMIC EVENTS

- Meat animal show at the fair, a fortnight before Easter (Bocapole of Bressuire) - « Les conviviales d’automne » (Autumn Festivities), October in Bressuire: festival of Charolais and Maine-Anjou cattle for three days: presentation and sale of pedigree breeding animals. Activities, food sampling and meals! - Local farmer’s markets : 13 July 2009 at la Roche estate in Cerizay 31 July 2009 at the château of Saint-Mesmin in SaintAndré-sur-Sèvre SPECIALITY

- The prune biscuit or «La galette Pacaude» : it is made from shortbread or brioche dough, during Holy Week to be eaten on Easter Sunday and the days following Easter Sunday.

Farm Exploration

Welcome to the farm Adults come for the gastronomic delights, children as tireless observers of animal life: it will be a fantastic experience for all! Les Fruits de l’Orbrie in Clazay (map F-4) 11 varie-

ties of apples, 3 varieties of pears, cherries, natural apple juice, farm tour. Opening times for 2009 : all year, Monday to Saturday, from 8:45 – 12:30 and from 14:00 – 19:00 Tél.: +33 549 741 637 - www.fruits-orbrie.fr Les 2 Rivières in Noirlieu (map D-6) Goats reared traditionally in the field and cheese for sale. Opening times for 2009 : Monday – Saturday from 8:00 – 12:00 Tél. : +33 549 659 308 - www.chevresles2rivières.com Bodet Jottreau in Cirières (MAP G-4) Farm poultry rearing. Opening times for 2009 : Monday - Friday from 9:00 – 12:00 and 14:00-16:00 (Wednesday, only open in the morning) farm tour, sampling and sale of farm produce: chickens, guinea fowl, ducklings... Tél. : +33 549 800 387 - www.la-bonne-volaille.com

Sèvre Autruche in Courlay (MAP G-3) Ostrich rearing and sale of farm produce: meat, ready-meals, ostrich eggs, gift ideas. Opening times for 2009 : 27 June - 31 August, every afternoon from 14:00 – 19:00. By appointment throughout the year Tél. : +33 662 812 363 - www.sevre-autruche.fr La ferme du Campus des Sicaudières in Bressuire (MAP E-4). For groups, blind-tasting sessions, tour of the school

farm (Poitou donkey, “Burgundy rabbit”, ...). By appointment on +33 549 652 411 - www.sicaudieres.org

LES NOUES DE PUYJEAN EDUCATIONAL FARM in Moncoutant (MAP G-2). Travel up and down the garden of 5 senses and try to recog-

nise the scents of savoury herbs and wild plants. Aboard a converted wagon, discover Parthenais cows by going for a ride through the sunken lanes and meadows of the Bocage! Discover the viewpoint indicator and the legend of CHIRON... and round it all off with an afternoon snack! By appointment on +33 549 726 298 - www.ferme-pedagogique-puyjean.com

Children’s

selection

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un for all the family ’’ The Bocage Bressuirais is a land of fun and historical adventures, a giant playground with exciting discoveries to be made. With the family in summer, on Wednesday or at the weekend throughout the year, you will find a large choice of activities for discovering the history and secrets of the area whilst having fun. Ask for the brochure “the Bocage for children” at the tourist office. It contains activities and tailor-made offers for groups of children from 3 – 12 years old. Tel.: +33 549 651 027

Sèvre Autruche / Labyrintruche in Courlay - Les Bichotières (MAP G-3)

A day in the Bocage for children Morning: return to the Middle Ages at the Château of Saint-Mesmin Afternoon: games of yesteryear at the Tour Nivelle (p 13) and labyrinth adventure at Labyrintruche

At this educational farm discover the life in captivity of the largest birds in the world, their food and reproduction. Be nuzzled by baby ostriches in the incubator house. (for opening times see p9) Come and lose yourself in the unimaginable mazes of the “Labyrintruche”! This labyrinth of corn stretching over 3 hectares allows you to set off on an adventure and enter into an original rally with a new game every year. 100% fun, for young and old, the “Labyrintruche” offers one and a half hours of surprising challenges and games.

Opening times of the Labyrintruche for 2009 : every day from 10 July - 31 August from 14:00 onwards. Last entry at 17:30. On the site: gift shops, 100% ostrich gastronomic products. Tél. : +33 662 81 23 63 - www.sevre-autruche.fr

THE CHÂTEAU OF SAINT-MESMIN (XIV-XVth century) in Saint André sur Sèvre (MAP I-3) A château brimming with medieval activities!

The fortified château of Saint Mesmin, in Saint André-sur-Sèvre, is a medieval fortress dating from the XIVth century to which an impressive 28m keep was added in the XVth century. The kitchen, stately abode and chapel will transport you back to the daily life of the Middle Ages. Guided tour (from 45 mins to one and a half hours) or unguided visit. In July and August, discover life in the Middle Ages, feast at a lively banquet (music, juggling, fire-eating…) and take advantage of the market selling regional specialities. Theme for the 2009 season: “Kids and company”.

Children’s selection

Opening times for 2009 : • 1st May - 7 June, from 15:00 – 19:00, Sundays and bank holidays • 8 June - 7 July and 31 August - 20 September, every day from 10:30 – 12:30 and from 14:30 – 18:30 • 8 July - 30 August, every day from 10:30 – 13:00 and from 14:30 – 18:30 + and on Wednesday evening from 20:30 – 22:30. Prices for 2009 : from €3 - 6 for adults, from €2 - 3 for children (younger than14). Tél. : +33 549 801 762/+33 549 745 247 - www.chateau-saintmesmin.fr

Children can participate in a large-scale treasure hunt, for which the château of SaintMesmin is one of the stages: visit the fortified châteaux and churches of the area and win precious deniers at each stage: a surprise awaits you at the end of the journey! Information: Tourist Office of Pays de Pouzauges Tel.: +33 251 918 246 - www.paysdepouzauges.fr

’’ Children’s selection

ttractions’’ THE NATIVITY BROUGHT TO LIFE in Bressuire 2 rue des Religieuses (MAP E-4)

A masterpiece of naive and folk art, a sound and light show which is as surprising as it is fascinating: a Palestinian village from 2000 years ago, with its 120 characters, comes to life before your eyes, showing the life of inhabitants and reminding us of the message of Christmas. This animated nativity scene, created over 50 years ago by the genius of a man, Abbot Rochard, is an ingenious idea. Since 2007, it has been the property of the town of Bressuire and an association of dedicated volunteers brought it back to life in a new historic and unique site. Opening times for 2009 :

• Mid-September to the end of October: Sunday from 15:00 • from November to February: Saturday and Sunday from 15:00 • Christmas holidays: every day from 14:00 • March to June: closed except for school holidays: open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 15:00 • July: Sunday from 15:00 • August: closed

Duration of visit: 50 minutes (including a 30 minute show) Prices for 2009 : €3/adult, €1/children from 5 - 12 years. Tél. : +33 549 728 095 (for groups all year by appointment on +33 549 651 027)

LE PUY DU FOU (MAP K-6), 20 minutes from the Bocage, is 20 years old in 2009

This large theme park will make you think you’ve travelled back through time with its original shows, games and activities combining action and emotions. It also offers you plenty of fresh air with its 50 ha hundred-year old forest and the many animals that live there. Plan a full day’s visit to see everything. In the evening you can go to the famous Cinéscénie, an historic sound and light show (from June – September).

Tél. : +33 820 091 010 - Information, prices, videos: www.puydufou.com

LA TOUR NIVELLE - SCHOOL MUSEUM in Courlay (MAP G-3) The smell of chalk, a school of yesteryear

Built in the period of Jules Ferry, this former hamlet school invites you to step in the shoes of the children who went there in the olden days. The classroom, recreated as it was in 1900 and the teacher’s accommodation call to mind the period of black pinafores. Immerse you and your family in the atmosphere of a classroom from the beginning of the XXth century: put on school clothes, sit at one of the wooden desks, pick up a quill to write in purple ink. Be careful, you might get it all over your fingers! Fun activities, games from the past in the schoolyard, quizzes and surprises await you. In summer, there are activities and shows for the children, exhibitions and tales to allow you to relive school days...bunking off!

Children’s selection

A LITERARY CENTRE:

Meeting with Ernest Pérochon, writer, winner of the Goncourt prize in 1920 (for his novel “Nêne”) and illustrious pupil of the Tour Nivelle. Opening times for 2009 :

• January – end June, the first and third Sunday of each month from 14:30 – 18:30 • from 4 July - 20 September, Wednesday – Sunday from 10:30 – 18:30 • from 1st October – 30 November, the first and third Sunday of each month from 14:30 – 18:30 • from 26 October - 4 November, during the week, from 10:30 – 17:30, on Sunday from 14:30 – 18:30

Prices for 2009 : €4.50 /adult, €3/children (from 6 - 18 years). Tél. : +33 549 802 937 - www.tournivelle.fr

Nature & adventure

Vallée du Nay

La vallée du nay (MAP H-5) in Pin : sunken lanes, a learning trail, megalith hunting

A 12 km walking tour, starting at the Vallée de l’Argent, leads to the site of Nay and “Bois à Joseph”.

Information: all of our walking tours are on sale at the tourist office (see: back of NGI map)

Dolmen of le Pin

Things to do: The learning trail in “Bois à Joseph” points out different species; of the dolmen of la Voie, at least 5000 years old, there remains the table and pillars of a tomb-like room and a long narrow aisle formed from stones supporting each other in pairs; The developed site of the Vallée du Nay offers an artificial lake, a picnic and play area. In this damp valley the ponies and horses of the nearby riding centre graze.

HAMEAU DU NAY RIDING CENTRE in Le Pin

(MAP H-5)

Children’s selection

In addition to horse and pony riding, nature activities are offered. Board and lodging possible.

Tél. : +33 549 815 960 - www.hameau-du-nay.fr

JARDIN DES CHIRONS in Largeasse

(MAP D-1)

“Chirons” are eroded granite blocks, often very large, which are found in large numbers in the area, notably at the natural site of Rocher Branlant (a municipality of Largeasse). This site owes its name to an enormous rock balancing on another one, which could be rocked by pushing it with your hand: come and test your strength by taking on this giant! There are other striking chirons for you to discover, like the sprites that legends say are the overlords of the site. The layout of the “garden of chirons” has been arranged in such a way as to showcase this geological phenomenon: a fun, educational, cultural and welcoming world awaits you.

Pets accepted, individual unaccompanied tours Tél. : +33 549 720 244

Heritage: a region that’s got style

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Ah! Mon beau château Ma tant’ tire lire lire Ah! Mon beau château Ma tant’ tire lire la. Le notre est plus beau...

ignificant ’’

Travel in time from the Iron Age to the Second World War. Influenced by the medieval and Gallo-Roman periods, our region was also the scene of the bloody wars of the Vendée. In this land, with a strong Catholic tradition and a stopping-off place for pilgrims of the Way of Saint-James, let yourself be awed by our chapels, crypts and churches! From curiosities to picturesque sites, museums to châteaux, from manor houses to discovery tours, our history will be revealed. An astonishing walk in the “sculptor’s orchard”, a park where contemporary sculptures stand next to some fifty apple trees of different species. Every two years, the “Bressuire International Symposium of Sculpture” allows French and foreign artists to create on this outdoor site monumental works (wood, stone, metal…). www.vergersculpteurs.fr

Spring Sculpture Show from 7 - 22 March 2009 in the halls of the Château of Bressuire

Cultural Bressuire

Symposium at the Château of Bressuire

Sculptor’s orchard

Saint-Sauveur de Givre en Mai church

A religious land Protestantism in the Bocage

Religion

In the XVIth century, the inhabitants of La Forêt-sur-Sèvre and the surrounding area adhered to the ideas of the Reformation. In 1612, Duplessis-Mornay, companion of Henri IV, dubbed “The Pope of the Huguenots” acquired the Château of La Forêt and there set up a printing works to circulate his works. The Wars of Religion obliged the Protestants to abjure, to practise their faith in secret or go into exile. Don’t miss: the Museum of Protestant France of the West at Bois-Tiffrais in Monsireigne

Le Temple (MAP j-6)

This village takes its name from the commander’s residence of the Templars, founded in the XIIth century. It then passed into the hands of the Knights Hospitaller then the Chevaliers of Malta. In the Middle Ages, it welcomed pilgrims of the Way of Saint-James. Private site. Don’t miss, in the parish church (built in 1848 with the stones of the former chapel of the commander’s residence) the font and the alter stone, decorated with mouldings.

La Petite Eglise

A small group of about 3000 faithful, concentrated in the Bocage Bressuirais including Courlay, perpetuated Catholic religious practice before the Revolution. This dissidence resulted from the refusal to accept the Concordat of 1801 which subjugated the church of France to power. The inhabitants of the Bocage, which had been used to the secret worship of the non-juring priests for 10 years, continued with their religion as they did before the wars of the Vendée. Despite the absence of priests for nearly 150 years, traditional religious practice has been firmly adhered to: festivals and fasting are carried out according to the rules applied before the Revolution. This community continues to live simply and its members congregate at the private chapel at the site called La Plainelière: built from 1827 – 1829 after the death of the last antiConcordat priest. It was extended in 1873 and 1933.

The Faye l’Abbesse marble (4th century) (MAP c-4) Since the death of Saint Hilaire, Bishop of Poitiers and evangelist of our region, the alter stone, in porphyry (Egyptian stone), kept in copper wrapping, has been revered in Faye l’Abbesse. Every Good Friday, pilgrims used to go to get “marbled” by affixing the stone onto the diseased part of the body, in the hope of a cure.

The Commander’s Residence at the Temple

Notre-Dame Church of Bressuire

Crypt

Heritage Bressuire

DISCOVERY TOUR of Bressuire (MAP e-4) Duration: 2hrs. Starting point: the tourist office

The way markers on the ground, together with the leaflet, allow you to do this walking tour in the town centre completely independently, all year round. The second largest town in Deux-Sèvres with its 20 000 inhabitants, Bressuire has a long trading tradition with its cloth activity, notably in the XVth century. Destroyed after the Vendée insurrection, it recovered, owing to the arrival of the railway. Whilst the Notre-Dame church and the building of the current multimedia library bear witness to the ancient past, most of the monuments date from the XIXth century. You will enjoy extending the tour to the château and the Pedestrian Zone, a nature walk along the hillsides of the château. Brochure available from the tourist office and downloadable at www.tourisme-bocage.com

Interesting detours in the surrounding area

Chambroutet (MAP E-5): Close to the château of Pallain, an ice house that was used to preserve food. St-Sauveur de Givre en Mai (MAP D-4): Romanesque church, the unique nave of which is covered with a beautiful visible framework dating from the XVIth century. Chiché (MAP C-3): Gallo-Roman bridge, XIIth century church, Gothic chapel with its vaults decorated with coats of arms which now houses the town hall. Noirterre (MAP D-5): the Monument to the Dead (1914-1918) has a very impressive design.

Château of Bressuire

Heritage Mauléon

DISCOVERY TOUR Mauléon (MAP i-6)

Duration: 1hr 30 mins or 2hrs30 mins with the tour of the district of Saint-Jouin. Starting point: Trinity Abbey ( BRHAM museum)

The town, built on a rocky outcrop, overlooks the Vallée de l’Ouin. Its name appeared in 1080 in the first charters of Trinity abbey. The way markers on the ground and the leaflet will allow you to do this walking tour in the town centre completely independently all year round, from medieval alleys to neoclassical dwellings, from religious buildings to parks and gardens. Brochure available from the tourist office and downloadable at www.tourisme-bocage.com

BRHAM MUSEUM in Mauléon

Opening times for 2009 : during the week 10:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 - 18:00, at the weekend and on bank holidays 14:30 – 18:00 Prices for 2009 : €2, free for – children under 16 Tél. : +33 549 818 623 – Town hall square

Interesting detours in the surrounding area

- The scenic route of La Chapelle Largeau (MAP K-7) in Loublande called the “horseshoe route” offers an unobstructed view over the Bocage and the Vallée de l’Ouin. - Le Temple (MAP J-6): The commander’s residence (private site) and the parish church: note the font and alter stone decorated with mouldings. - The church (XIIth and XVIth century) of Saint-Amand-sur-Sèvre (MAP J-5): Observe the Romanesque church tower, its fully arched windows and its cornice with scowling faces; the alter piece in carved gilded wood, the glass roofs of the cheviot, flamboyant in style.

BRHAM museum

Paintings of the Notre-Dame church

Heritage Le Pin Cerizay Montravers

NOTRE DAME CHURCH in le Pin

(MAP h-5)

During restoration work an exceptional set of mural paintings, dating from the XVth century, was discovered. The setting represents the crowning of the Blessed Virgin and an enthroned Christ, whose hand alone measures 60 cm. Also don’t miss: the entrances of the market town houses.

Château of Le Deffend

BEAUCHÊNE CHAPEL in Cerizay (MAP h-4)

Paintings of La Pommeraie-sur-Sèvre church

(XIV-XVth centuries). The central keystone bears the arms of La Rochejaquelein. The stained glass windows portray the scenes of the wars of the Vendée. Interesting detours in the surrounding area (MAP J-4): La Pommeraie-sur-Sèvre: in the church (XIIIth - XIXth century), the wall paintings (XVIth century) of the nave represent the 7 deadly sins chained and being led into hell by the devil.

THE CHÂTEAU OF DEFFEND in Montravers (MAP J-4)

Overlooking the Vallée de la Sèvre Nantaise, the château of Deffend was built from 1865 – 1869. A tour of the grounds and the ground floor of the château is available including the reception rooms, decorated with oak panelling and painted ceilings and a beautiful series of Aubusson tapestries the subject matter of which is the fables of la Fontaine. Opening times for 2009 : 17/08 until 20/09 from 14:00 – 18:00 Prices for 2009 : € 3. By appointment on +33 549 654 680.

Le logis du Vieux Deffend in Montravers

XVth century dwelling surrounded by moats. Internal courtyard with garden, orchard and vegetable garden.

Opening times for 2009 : 1st July - 10 August from 10:00 – 16:00. Prices for 2009 : free. Unaccompanied or guided tour (30 mins to 1 hr) Tél. : +33 549 805 284

Le vieux donjon in Montravers (MAP i-4)

A château that had been forgotten about since the end of the XIXth century, when it was partially taken down. An enthusiast has been salvaging it since 2006.

Logis du Vieux Deffend

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« Quand on partait de bon matin, quand on partait sur les chemins à bicyclette …» « Quand le soleil à l’horizon profilait sur tous les buissons nos silhouettes »

ikes ’’

Our peaceful Bocage is packed with sunken lanes to enjoy on foot, horseback or bike. Set off on a hike for a few hours or the entire day, in the heart of extensive unspoilt countryside made up of hedges, woods, moors and scattered with chaos of granite. There is the opportunity to surprise beavers, squirrels or larks going about their daily lives, and discover, at a bend in the road, spectacular countryside scenes and mysterious hiding places recalling the time of the Chouans.

WALKING TOURS

17 tours designed for all ages await you: everyone, from the beginner to the initiated, alone or with the family, will find something to enjoy and will be able to go at their own pace.

MOUNTAIN BIKE TOURS

Le Thouaret between the Bocage and Gâtine

On foot or by bike through the country lanes

voie verte (path for pedestrians and nonmotorised vehicles)

From Parthenay to Bressuire developed over some thirty kilometres, follow the track of the old ParthenayBressuire SNCF line. This tour invites you to discover former stations, level-crossing keeper houses, field poppies, railway bridges, evidence of recent railway activity. This path rejoins the route of the “Vallée du Thouet” (Beugnon - Saumur).

Active

holidays

List of hikes on the front of the map attached to the guide. For each of these tours, a sheet can be bought from the tourist office or by post at www.tourisme-bocage.com.

Little owl

The Sèvre Nantaise in La Forêt-sur-Sèvre

The richness and beauty of our natural heritage encourages us to preserve it for the greater enjoyment of those who live and stay there. Water is a vital resource that should be respected. You will find comfortable fishing self-catering cottages in our area. (Ask for the practical guide at the tourist office)

Fishing fans, our rivers (la Sèvre Nantaise, l’Argent, le Dolo, la Madoire, le Thouaret and their tributaries) and many artificial lakes and ponds await you in the often picturesque valleys.

Fishing Pescalis

Pescalis in Moncoutant (MAP G-2)

Unique in Europe, Pescalis is a Fishing and Nature centre situated in an estate of 150 ha between land and water. In the heart of unspoiled countryside, you can come and practise authentic fishing (preservation of the water quality, observance of the specific requirements of each fish species) and a “no kill” policy: all fish caught must be put back in the water, without exception.

Many educational activities and events, visit to the estate and the aquarium all year round. Tél. : +33 549 720 001 - www.pescalis.com

Hoopoe

Sporting experience Morning: “Le Thouaret” mountain bike ride in Faye l’Abbesse (see back of IGN map) Afternoon: karting lesson at Bocaspeed (p 22)

’’ Active

holidays

Are you a thrill-seeker ?

ntense ’’ Are you in need of an adrenaline rush, some surprises ? MONTGOLFIèRE DU BOCAGE in Cerizay (MAP h-4)

Carried along by the wind, a first flight in a hot air balloon provides an unusual view of the Pays du Bocage Bressuirais. Departures from la Roche estate. Prices for 2009 : First flight: flight lasting approximately 1 hour from €215 - €250 / person – Flights booked according to weather conditions from 2 January to 30 December. L’Orfosse - Tél. : +33 549 801 045 www.la-montgolfiere.com

Karting BocaSpeed

in Moutiers sous Chantemerle (MAP g-1) and Breuil-sous-Argenton (MAP D-8)

To discover, in complete safety, the exciting experience of karting, two circuits are available: the international circuit of Val d’Argenton and the national circuit of la Sèvre in Moncoutant. Possibility of karting lessons.

Opening times for 2009 : 7/ 7 days from 9:00 – 12:00 and from 14:00 – 19:00 La Folie - Le Breuil sous Argenton - Tél. : +33 549 657 315 Le Boiriou - Moutiers sous Chantemerle - Tél. : +33 549 803 827

Futuroscope in Poitiers

Experience the future with the attractions “Dance with robots” and “animals in years to come”. Don’t miss the night-time shows.

Opening times for 2009 : every day from 7 February to 15 November www.futuroscope.com

Events

Highland Games in Bressuire European championship, 13 and 14 June 2009

Every year the Highland Games offer a striking spectacle in the grounds of the chateau. These traditional sporting competitions, which originate from Scotland, take place in a festive atmosphere with pipe bands and dance shows. The best athletes compete against each other in kilts over 5 traditional events: stone putting, weight for distance, weight for height, the hammer, the caber and 2 special events: cork and beer barrel throwing. www.ajef.eu

WINTER CIRCLE in Nueil-Les-Aubiers

(MAP g-6) Enjoy a new experience by criss-crossing the country lanes the nights of the last weekend in February. Friendly resting points bring these nights to life. www.larondehivernale.com - Tél. : +33 549 654 974

YOUTH FESTIVAL in Cerizay (MAP h-4)

Admire many shows with your family: clowns, theatre, songs, juggling, acrobatics… (2nd week in July) Informations : Cultural Centre of the Bocage Bressuirais

BOATS IN BLOOM in St-Amand-sur-Sèvre (MAP J-5) On 12 July 2009, boats decorated as insects will be on parade at the Chaligny mill halfway through a festive event and a country dinner (19:00) Tél. : +33 549 811 330 – Boat parades start: 15:00 and 22:30

Ask for the summer events guide at the tourist office or consult the schedule on the site: www.tourisme-bocage.com

Auditoriums

Bocapôle in Bressuire (MAP e-4)

Entertainment venue events

Both a business tourism centre and an important cultural centre for the region, Bocapôle is a strong symbol of the identity and dynamism of the Bocage. In addition to big shows, one-manshows, concerts and fairs, this complex can accommodate large-scale symposiums, meetings and conferences. News, scheduling, blog and prices: www.bocapole.fr

Don’t miss: the Bressuire trade show, the ice rink at Christmas, wedding and home shows…

The Bocage offers a wide range of venues for concerts, shows, exhibitions, private or association parties, as well as the festival Eclats de voix. Each autumn, Mauléonais, Cerizay and Nueil-Les-Aubiers put on exceptional concerts with artists with original vocal expression and very diverse styles: voices from here, voices from elsewhere, voices of yesterday, voices of today... but always as one voice! Consult our events guide to organise your outings or get information from the venues:

Belle arrivée in Nueil-Les-Aubiers

(MAP g-6) - Tél. : +33 549 654 210 - 14 place P. Garnier www.nueilaubiers.csc79.org

La gRiotte in Cerizay (MAP h-4) Tél. : +33 549 806 405 - 37 allée du Midi - www.cerizay.fr la passerelle in Mauléon (MAP i-6) Tél. : +33 549 816 060 - 8 grand’rue - www.mauleon.fr

theatre in Bressuire (MAP e-4)

With nearly one show a week from September to May, the Bressuire theatre offers regular and high quality artistic performances with artists from all backgrounds: world music, contemporary dance, theatre, hip hop dance, French songs…including even less well-known forms such as the Slam and Object Theatre.

Reception opening times: Tuesday to Saturday from 14:00 – 18:00 Tél. : +33 549 744 630 - 1 place Barante - www.ville-bressuire.fr

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