The best road cycling routes around Surin

Le château de La Taillée is a private property listed as a historical monument. It is strongly linked to Echiré. In 1763, the lord of La Taillée collected bridge tolls by concession from the King. In the construction and development of the commune, the château de la Taillée played an important role. Indeed, two of its descendants were mayors of this commune. It was in 1891 that a first workshop for processing butter and cereals was set up by the Comte Du Dresnay on his estate of La Taillée in an old mill on the Sèvre. This workshop would later become the Echiré dairy. Le château de la Taillée, built in dressed stone in the Henri IV – Louis XIII style, was erected in one go at the beginning of the 17th century. Three dates are engraved in the stone: 1636, on the north facade, 1639 on the south side of the porch, 1642 on the west dovecote. The two dovecotes have been recently restored.

Beautiful gravel hike all around

Magnificent viewpoint

A charming place on the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise

very pleasant place for walking, cycling or running

The Church of the Immaculate Conception was built at the end of the 19th century. In 1889, the village of Mazeau separated from the commune of St Sigismond. The construction of a church completed the emancipation of the community. Three difficult financing plans followed, in April 1890, June 1892 and February 1893. Restrictions on the initial project of the Fontenay architect Filuzeau were imposed. The plan no longer provided for a possible contribution from the state. The church was therefore financed solely by the Mazéens through a loan and the sale of wood. From 1890, the financing plan ruled out the project of building a presbytery. Work did not begin until the spring of 1897. On January 26, 1898, the archbishop signed the certificate of authenticity of the relic of the Cross kept in the church of Mazeau. On December 8, 1898, for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the parish church was blessed by Father Ménard, superior of Saint Joseph of Fontenay-le-Comte, assisted by five other priests.

Things to See & Do Ramparts: With approximately 30 semicircular towers, the granite walls symbolize medieval urban robustness. Ruined Castle: All that remains of the castle is a round tower (perhaps the keep) and sections of walls restored since the 1980s. Panoramic Walk: The rampart path offers splendid views of the Thouet Valley and the Saint-Paul district.

History & Architecture Medieval Construction: Built in the early 13th century under the aegis of John Lackland, the citadel rests on a natural promontory reinforced by three defensive walls, towers, and ramparts. Castle and Bastion: Its original, isolated castle included towers such as the Powder Tower and the Harcourt Tower. In the 15th century, Arthur de Richemont added the bastille and an artillery boulevard. Citadel Gate (or Clock Gate): The gatehouse is flanked by two almond-shaped towers and topped with a clock tower. A granite staircase provides access to the guardroom and the patrol path.