The Poitou-Charentes / Deux Sèvres
Gourgé is situated in the Deux Sèvres Department, Poitou-Charentes Region. It is one of the most historical and picturesque regions of France. It is well know for its cultured walking and cycling trails along the Thouet Valley, also for the fabulous goat’s cheeses that are made in the district.
13 – 15th Century Châteaux are a common sight, and in the village of Gourgé is one of the oldest Churches in France, Saint-Hilaire, which was built on the old roman way linking Poitiers to Nantes. The site was first occupied in Gallo-Roman times and the village was mentioned as early as the year 889.
There is also on the riverbank of the Thouet an 11th Century Romanesque bridge and a Medieval Water Mill. One of the Compostella Pilgrim trails (the Way of St James) came through the village of Gourgé and across the Roman Bridge.
In the village you will find the bakery (la boulangerie) with many delicious pastries and breads, a local store and a café/restaurant. On most Sunday mornings beside the Church you can purchase FRESH Oysters. There are markets held almost every day in nearby villages offering fresh vegetables, meats, seafood and clothing.
The city of Parthenay is only a 15 mins drive away and here you will find many shopping outlets to cater for all your needs. The seaside village of La Rochelle is a 2 hour drive and the Loire Valley with it’s fabulous wines, is a 1 hour drive. La Grande Tablée du Saumur-Champigny, Loire Valley, is on every year in early August. A fabulous evening of French food, red wine of the region drunk from your own inscribed wine glass, great company, plus entertainment provided by 3 live bands.
Other places of interest in the area:
Saint-Loup-Lamairé with it’s beautiful Château, fabulous restaurant, river walk, historical Chemin de croix (stations of the cross) garden and Church.
Sanxay, in France’s Poitou-Charentes region, is principally known for its Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre. Every summer in August, the age-old monument comes alive with the Soirées Lyriques des Sanxay – big budget operatic performances that make the most of the ruin’s excellent acoustics.
Moncontour village is a gem hidden amongst a sea of sunflowers and melon fields. An attractive, historical village on the border of the Vienne and Deux Sèvres Departments. Watched over protectively by it’s 11th century donjon, Moncontour has a water sports lake, great fishing, beautiful forests and riverside walks that take you past the ancient lavoirs (wash houses found along the rivers edge).
L’église abbatiale Saint-Jouin at Saint-Jouin-de-Marnes. Dating back to the 6th Century. An amazing piece of architecture which overlooks the valley heading towards Moncontour.