Deux-Sevres by Helen Corrie

 

Welcome to the Deux-Sevres. The Deux-Sevres (Dept 79) is in the heart of the Poitou-Charentes region, between the regions of the Pays de la Loire to the north and west, and Aquitaine (including the well-known departments of the Gironde and the Dordogne) to the south. Deux-Sevres enjoys 2,600 hours of glorious sunshine per year; in this respect it is second only to the Mediterranean, but offering a more verdant, gentler landscape.

The Deux-Sevres is an easy drive to the neighbouring department of the Vendee and its seaside resorts, and has much else besides to offer, being rich in history, wine, nature, local delights and exuding 'joie de vivre'. It is like an extraordinary adventure book, in which Neolithic necropolises, medieval fortresses, Romanesque churches and Renaissance castles all invite you to meet famous characters from the past and hear their tales.

Pleasures of the table from Deux-Sevres (you will be spoilt for choice) include farmhouse goats' cheeses, wines from the Thouars region with the renowned Anjou and Saumur appellations, beef from the Gatine and Bressuire pastures, and the large white haricot beans of the Marais Poitevin. The Deux-Sevres is a haven for those who appreciate authentic local specialities.

Markets

French markets are a must to visit, full of interesting characters and wonderful produce. Normally held in the traditional market square of the host town, the food tends to be fresher, slightly cheaper and more regional than in the shops. French markets have a wide range of delicious cheeses and breads. We recommend an early start as most are morning markets, and also parking can be difficult, as the market usually takes place in the main car park! You will find markets in these towns all year round: Bressuire, Melle, Niort, Haut Val de Sevre, Thouars and Gatine.

 

Marais Poitevin

The beautiful Marais Poitevin is a natural marshland with quaysides and towpaths, white cottages with half-rounded tiles and individual slipways, up which the punts can be pulled. Among the villages are Arcais and Coulon (listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France). Enjoy a boat trip with a guide, lasting from thirty minutes to three hours, or perhaps ride an on-road tourist train around the area. Access to the eastern edge of the marsh is easiest at the whitewashed village of Coulon.

Chateaux

Chateau Oiron, Coudray Salbart, Cherveux, Bressuire: these are four of the many Chateaux open to the public in the Deux-Sevres. Take a picnic, and spend the afternoon savouring the local produce under a shady tree and admiring the scenery.
 

Pescalis

The international nature and angling centre in Moncoutant, in the north-west of the Deux-Sevres, invites fishermen and nature lovers to enjoy the fresh air on the shores of its specially-managed lakes, set between forest and meadows. Experienced anglers or beginners can choose between various angling areas i.e. game fishing with stations specially designed for round-the-clock angling. In the Royale Carp Temple there are aquariums, virtual reality displays and auditoriums giving an insight into the aquatic depths of Pescalis. On site you will find a wide range of restaurant, shops, (including fishing tackle), children's play area, and facilities for riding, walking, and mountain biking.
 

The variety of its landscapes and the quality and diversity of local produce will ensure the success of your holiday. So let yourselves be tempted – come and discover that in the Deux-Sevres, your pleasure is our pleasure!

 

How to get to Deux-Sevres

By Air: Regular flights from London Standsted with Ryanair to Poitiers or La Rochelle

By Train: From Paris – Gare Montparnasse - the TGV Atlantique service runs to Futuroscope/Poitiers/Angouleme and Niort.

By Road: Main roads linking our region from Paris, heading heading to Bordeaux via Poitiers, are the A10 motorway and route nationale RN10.

---

Your Holiday Matters - approved properties