Picturesque villages
Following in the footsteps of Foussais-Payré, Nieul-sur-l’Autise and Vouvant, Faymoreau and Mallièvre have recently been named Petites Cités de Caractère (small typical towns) in Vendée. In addition to the restoration of buildings, heritage appreciation takes place via the development of cultural events. Since 1999, «Les Nuits Musicales en Vendée Romane» has enabled prestigious sites to be brought to life, helping a curious and interested public to understand their wealth. There are six summer concerts, addressing diverse musical genres: classical, baroque, jazz, world music…
Vouvant
In the Land of the Fairy Mélusine, Vouvant is famous for its picturesque streets and 11th century Romanesque church, whose doorway is decorated with animals and fantastic scenes. It is also at the heart of the story of the Fairy Mélusine. Its old tower is the last vestige of a castle that the Fairy had constructed in a single night, using only her magical powers.
Nieul-sur-l’Autise
The Saint Vincent Abbey has been a historical monument since 1862, and constitutes an exceptional testimony to monastic architecture, with its sculpted facade and Romanesque arches, its chapter house and Romanesque cloisters – the most complete abbey in western France.
Foussais-Payré
Located on the border of the Mervent-Vouvant forest, this small village bears witness to two golden ages of architecture. Erected between 1050 and 1100, its Romanesque church is one of the most remarkable in Lower Poitou. The Renaissance era left behind prestigious buildings such as the Halles, constructed in the 16th century.
Faymoreau
Just a stone’s throw from the old town, a former coal-mining village blends into a magnificent wooded landscape. The miners’ chapel, the linear facades of the mining cottages, the workers’ gardens and the fishing jetties on the edge of the water - all of these memories speak for themselves…The museum uses modern technology to trace the glorious industrial past of the mining basin, via a museography that is both innovative and dynamic.
Mallièvre
Dominating the river Sèvre Nantaise which flows among green hills, this ancient weavers’ village reveals all its charms: between pretty little stone bridges and granite, wooden-shuttered houses, you will be able to explore the remains of the medieval castle, the narrow alleys and tall dry stone walls…
