Vouvant - Un des plus beaux villages de France
Vouvant - One of the most beautiful villages in France.
The medieval village of Vouvant sits behind its ramparts on high ground, encircled by the river Mère which acts as a moat.
Home to the Dukes of Aquitaine, nothing of the castle remains except the tower of Mélusine, reputedly built by the fairy herself in a single night.
The river winds into the forest of Mervent 5kms away where several dams have encouraged large lakes. These have become watersport centres. There are picnic areas, walks, horse riding and fishing available; there is also a Zoo and a bird park.
Vouvant is situated between the towns of La Chataignerie (10km) and Fontenay le Comte (14 km). Both these towns have all shops and services with Fontenay having a lively street market each Saturday.
The beaches of the Vendee at Sable D'Olonne and La Tranche sur la mere are within an hours drive, as is the lovely port of La Rochelle and the Isle de Ré.
The Marais Poitevin (Green Venice) lies to the to the south of Fontenay – originally marsh land , drained by the monks in the middle ages; it is an area of canals and waterways where cows are still transported from field to field by punt. Boat trips are available from Coulon and Maran.
To the north , 30 minutes drive will bring you to Le Puy de Fou an enormous theme park dedicated to the history of the Vendée. During the summer on Friday and Saturday evenings there are huge “Son et Lumiere” productions with thousands of locals taking part (tickets must be booked well in advance).
www.puydufou.com
An hour to the east will bring you to Poitiers – futuroscope – the European park of the Moving Image.
www.futuroscope.com
To find out more about Vouvant log onto www.tourisme-sudvendee.com
When the header page comes up click on the union flag and the site will display the next page in English.
Click on the blue square above Vouvant on the outline map. This will give a thumb nail description inviting you to find out more.
Click on the invite.
This will give you a description of Vouvant.
Follow on with the History, Discovery circuit (which bears printing and taking with you) and the Legend.
Telephone Susan Anstiss for more information or bookings: +44 (0)1689 875 270 |