The best traffic-free bike rides around Saurais

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.

A church dedicated to Saint Peter is documented in the 9th century in the village. A Romanesque church was then built in the 11th century on the site of the current Saint-Honoré church, but with a different orientation. Initially dedicated to Saint Mathias, it was renamed Saint Honoré in the 15th century, a martyr from the Thénezay area, and houses the relic of his skull. The church was remodeled several times, notably in 1685, 1753, and 1784. The church was closed from 1791 to 1802. Its poor condition forced its complete demolition at the end of the 19th century. It was rebuilt between 1901 and 1903 in the neo-Romanesque style with a tall bell tower, according to plans by the architect Girard de Niort. It was consecrated on October 17, 1903, by Bishop Pelgé. It has three naves lit by richly colored stained-glass windows. The choir stalls, dating from the 18th century, were purchased in 1825 by Abbot de la Roche, parish priest; they came from the deconsecrated Cistercian abbey of Pin de Béruges. They were replaced in the current church in 1903. Two years later, the church was confiscated by law from the diocese and became the property of the municipality, which is now responsible for its maintenance. The white marble high altar with columns, donated in 1903 by the Countess of Talhouët-Roy, was sold in the 1970s and replaced with a wooden table facing the people. The stained-glass windows in the choir come from the Touan house in Paris and depict medallions depicting the life of Jesus. In 2003, the main bell collapsed; A new bell was recast from the old one by the Bollée d'Orléans firm and financed by subscription. The Bishop of Poitiers blessed it on October 11, 2003. Today, the parish of Thénezay no longer exists, and its former territory is part of the parish group of Saint-Jacques-en-Gâtine (comprising about sixty bell towers). Sunday Mass is now celebrated only occasionally in this village of nearly 1,400 inhabitants. The church is open for weddings and funerals.

very pleasant place for walking, cycling or running

Picturesque walk: Strolling along the bridge at the foot of the walls, with the tranquil waters of the Thouet River and the reflections of the arches, is a moment of pure bliss. Historical immersion: Walk in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims, protected by this powerful military structure, all in a still-authentic setting. Iconic photo: The view from the bridge—or from the banks slightly downstream—offers a perfect frame to capture the gate and its towers reflected in the river.

The fortified Saint-Jacques bridge (or “citadel bridge”) in Parthenay is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, bordered by its high walls and almond-shaped towers, offering an exceptional setting when the Thouet is reflected in the water.

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.

The citadel of Parthenay, nicknamed the "little Carcassonne of the West", is one of the city's heritage jewels, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the bend of the Thouet River.