The best traffic-free bike rides around Lhoumois

The Church of Notre-Dame de La Peyratte was built in the early 12th century by the monks of the Abbey of Sainte-Croix de Talmont in the Diocese of Luçon. Its austerity, simplicity, and choice of building materials make it a fine example of the churches of Gâtine. The work involves the general restoration of the church in five phases, beginning with the exterior and then the interior. The project management was entrusted to the Marie-Pierre Nigués agency, a heritage architect. A diagnostic study conducted in 2016 by the Niguès firm estimated the total cost of the work at €1,619,783 excluding tax. Prior to the start of work, the church underwent an archaeological assessment in 2018 and a study of the painted decorations in September 2019. The Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs is subsidizing the first phase of exterior work, 45% in 2017, 50% in 2021, and 40% in 2022. The municipality is benefiting from an exceptional Local Investment Support Grant of €120,000 for the entire exterior work. The Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and the Deux-Sèvres Departmental Council are financial partners in the project. A subscription is also open on the Heritage Foundation's website. The Regional Conservation of Historic Monuments – Poitiers site and the Deux-Sèvres Departmental Architecture and Heritage Unit of the DRAC are providing scientific and technical oversight for this restoration.

Well-lit by stained-glass windows by Lux Fournier, this neo-Romanesque church exudes a certain intimacy. There was a church in Amberre at the beginning of the 11th century; it disappeared, replaced in the 19th century by the current building. Well-lit by stained-glass windows by Lux Fournier, this neo-Romanesque church is very pleasant, even warm. The single nave, with its barrel vault and transverse arches, opens onto a five-sided apse, exuding a certain intimacy.

Don't believe them when they tell you they don't do food, just come back 10 minutes later and ask again. Great stop!

The Château de Coussay, inspired by the Italian Renaissance, is one of the first examples of the French Renaissance. Armand-Jean Duplessis, then bishop of Luçon, lived there before becoming the famous Cardinal de Richelieu in 1622.

This 11th century chateau and its parterre gardens can be hired for weddings and events. Its impressive moat and drawbridge give you an idea of its important defensive position.

Old fortress from the 9th century. Very nice view from the esplanade.

Small city of character at the confluence of the Thouet and the Cébron. Superb 17th century castle and medieval streets full of charm.

Small town of character in the heart of the Thouet valley. Do not miss the old medieval castle as well as the church (remains of the Romanesque abbey) and its museum. In the village, the halls, an underground fountain, Art Nouveau houses... Very nice stopover!