Chauvigny

Visit Chauvigny, Poitou-Charentes

Chauvigny is 23 kilometres east of Poitiers, in the Vienne department of Poitou-Charentes. On the banks of the Vienne River, Chauvigny originally derived its wealth from the porcelain industry, and porcelain manufacture still continues here on a small scale.

Exploring Chauvigny

The first thing that you will notice when you arrive in Chauvigny is that the town is overlooked by a hill with several ruined castles along its ridge. These are the 'Château des Eveques (‘baronial chateau'), the 'Chateau d'Harcourt', the 'donjon de gouzon', and the chateau de Montleon. The medieval village is also in this part of Chauvigny.

You can enter the Château d’Harcourt for free to admire the architecture and see an exhibition of spices. In the summer you can also watch an impressive display of birds of prey (les Géants du Ciel) inside the castle grounds. There is also an exhibition of industrial architecture in the donjon and even if you don't want to visit the exhibition you can walk up the steps to the entrance to get a close up view of the gorgeous round rooves of the Collegiale Church of Saint Pierre. There are also good views of the town from the donjon itself.

The Church of Saint Pierre is essentially roman style on the outside and best known for its decorative chevet and square belltower. Be sure to enter the church which is much lighter than most churches inside and there are amazing carvings on the pillars showing a selection of extraordinarily gruesome scenes.

The Church of Notre-Dame is also worth visiting to see the 15th century fresco it contains showing the martyrdom of Saint Leger.

When you have finished exploring the castles and the upper town descend to the newer part of Chauvigny on the river banks below. It is a thriving market town which seems rather separate to the medieval town. It is an attractive enough town and would be a pleasant base for visiting the area.

Market day is Saturday in Chauvigny, and this is the best and liveliest day to visit the town.

Attractions nearby

If you feel like a bit of exercise try the 'velo-rail'. These are carriages that you pedal and they travel along old railway lines. You enjoy the countryside and the children sit between you happy that they aren't joining in. You can be assured that old rail tracks don't go up and down steep hills!

Near to Chauvigny is the Abbey of Saint-Savin which is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Photos of Chauvigny (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Chauvigny: Recommended detour town (plus beau detour);

Suggested places to visit near Chauvigny, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe 48km; Abbey Saint-Sauveur de Charroux 51km; Sanxay 51km; Le-Dorat 51km; Saint-Germain-de-Confolens 57km; Bellac 58km; Saint-Benoit-du-Sault 59km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Chauvigny

Chauvigny tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise de Saint Pierre (Chauvigny) - religious monument (0km) : Eglise de Saint Gervais et Saint Protais (Civaux) - religious monument (14km) : Abbaye de Saint Savin sur Gartempe (Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe) - religious monument (17km) : Abbaye de Nouaillé-Mauperthuis (Nouaille-Maupertuis) - religious monument (19km) : Eglise de Notre Dame la Grande (Poitiers) - religious monument (23km) : Montmorillon - town of art and history (23km) : Eglise de Notre-Dame (Montmorillon) - religious monument (23km) : Eglise de Saint Maurice (Saint-Maurice-la-Clouere) - religious monument (28km) :

French version: see Chauvigny (Francais)