The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Pardoux

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

The Saint-Pardoux Church is an emblematic Romanesque building in the Dordogne region, particularly in Saint-Pardoux-et-Vielvic, and has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1925. Built in the 12th century, it retains its single barrel-vaulted nave and a choir with a semicircular apse. A major renovation carried out in the 17th-18th centuries redefined its western façade and added a bell tower arcade. 🏛️ Architecture and Heritage Plan and structure: a single nave preceded by a Romanesque choir, with a pointed barrel vault and triumphal arch resting on 13th-century engaged columns. Decoration: vegetal capitals and archivolts adorned with geometric motifs (chevrons, triangles, rays), typical of Auvergne Romanesque art. Bell tower: bell tower arcade or pediment, rebuilt in the 17th-18th centuries, typical of the Périgord region. ⛪ History Founded in the 12th century, the church was remodeled in the 13th century with the addition of side chapels and ribbed vaults. Its atypical structure—not oriented toward the east—reflects of a plan adapted to the terrain and the needs of the community

The Thouet, a peaceful river in western France (142 km), crosses several departments before flowing into the Loire. Its name, of Gallic origin, evokes "tranquility." Why stroll along the Thouet? Bucolic walks The landscaped banks around Parthenay offer a green and peaceful path, popular for walking or cycling. The "Along the Thouet" route (approximately 5–6 km) is classified as easy, punctuated by picnic tables, pétanque courts, and recreational areas.

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.

Better equipped than many campsites! The restrooms are super clean, and they even provide toilet paper and soap. The shower costs €1 (coin-operated) and runs for 8 minutes. Bike washing (including cleaner) is free. There's also a garage for bike parking, which you can lock if you have a lock with you. We loved it!