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LE PARC 79
VALLÉE DU THOUET
OUR LOCAL & REGIONAL FAVOURITES
BEAUN'AISE
Fantastic selection of local beer & wine, sharing platters and a daily small-dish menu, this local ‘secret’ is beautifully located in a deeply rural setting. Open summer only.
SUMMER SUNFLOWERS
Fields of golden sunflowers cover the valley in August.
LES TERRES BLANCHES
Artisan local vigneron. Friendly, knowledgable and the wines are great. They've a new tasting room in the heart of Oiron village.
L'EPICERIE AIRVAULT
Grocer specialising in local produce: wine, fruit & vegetables, honey, cheese, sweet treats etc.
ABBEY SAINT PIERRE
Beautiful historic abbey adjacent to the Halles Market and L'epicerie.
CHÂTEAU DE SAINT LOUP SUR THOUET
This quintessential French Château is open to the public at certain times each week but it's also a brilliant photo opportunity out front.
CYRIL OBACH BROCANTE
Cyril is a master curator of brocante beauty in Parthenay. No tatty junk, just objects with history and patina, Look carefully and you'll see many pieces by Cyril at Le Parc.
LE GUE PIERRE DE ROLLAND
Tranqil river crossing via stepping stones between Gourge & St Loup Sur Thouet.
VIDE GRENIERS
Weekly brocantes & flea markets throughtout the region each Sunday spring - autumn. Check the weekly locations as each village has a turn to host.
CHÂTEAU D'OIRON
An Impressive Château with one foot in the past and the other firmly in the present. Contemporary art exhibitions are juxtaposed with lavish and time-worn interiors to great effect.
CONTEMPORARY ART CHÂTEAU D'OIRON
Mythical beasts, large scale paintings, installations. Perfectly experienced in the ancient cadre.
HALL OF WAR CHÂTEAU D'OIRON
Incredible space detailing the Trojan War. No surface is left unpainted, The ceiling panels are an intricate treat.
LE THOUET AT GOURGÉ
In summer the river is a riot of frogs and lilypads. A great place to listen to nature as the Thouet meanders by.
LE PONT ROMAN GOURGÉ
This 12th century bridge built on stilts is just a few minutes stroll from Le Parc on the way to the village.
LA GARGANTE PARTHENAY
In Parthenay's medieval quarter is a fantastic place to drink and eat local products. There's a small shop there too if you want to take some things home.
LAC DU CEBRON
Local spot for walks, picnics and in summer there's a programme of watersports on the lake, but unfortunately no swimming in the lake. Howeve, there's an outdoor pool for kids at the attached campsite for public use.
WALKING & BIKING TRAILS
From the gate you have access to an extensive network of walking and cycling paths. Great for walks, jogs or just getting a few beautiful views and your 10,000 steps in.
PUY DU FOU
Historic battles re-enacted on an epic scale make this French favourite a great family day out. Vikings, Romans, explosions and ngladiators. Definitely ot just for kids.
LA ROMAINE ARTISAN BOULANGER
Join the queueing locals at this popular Airvault boulangerie in the valley. One of the best around for sure.
FOOD MARKETS
There are food markets of varying sizes on most days during Spring & Summer. Our closest are Thenezay - every Sunday.
Airvault each Saturday. St Loup - last Sunday of each month. Parthenay twice weekly. The biggest and most famous is at Thouars every Tuesday & Friday.
Airvault each Saturday. St Loup - last Sunday of each month. Parthenay twice weekly. The biggest and most famous is at Thouars every Tuesday & Friday.
CANINE COMPANIONS
There are plenty of decent woodland tracks and trails to take your dogs to. Always be mindful of livestock if your dog is easily excited. Contact us for a few recommendations.
LOCAL TOURISM GUIDES
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