Thouars

Visit Thouars, Poitou-Charentes

The town of Thouars is to the north of the Poitou-Charentes region, and south-east from Saumur, in the Deux-Sèvres department.

From its dominant position on a hill, the attractive medieval town hides behind a substantial 17th century chateau, poised on the edge of a cliff and overlooking the river below.

Castle of the Dukes of Trémoille

Much the most visible monument in Thouars, this 17th century chateau was constructed on the site of an earlier defensive castle. After playing a role as a castle then a prison, the main building is now home to a college in the town. The associated stables hold an art school.

In addition to the main castle and stables you can also see a chapel, the castle orangery and an interior courtyard.

Other Thouars monuments

The medieval town has some attractive medieval colombage houses dating from the 16th century, and several other noteworthy buildings. Start your exploration of the medieval centre of Thouars in Place Saint-Médard and surrounding streets, then head perhaps for the area around the attractive Hotel Tyndo.

One particularly notable religious monument is the Chapel Joan of Arc, an attractive chapel with an oversized 'rose' window above the entrance that is now used for art exhibitions. pay particular attenion to the carving above the entrance.

Other highlights to discover include:

- the 12th century ramparts, including two towers (the Tour de Prince de Galles and the Tour Porte au Provost)

- the medieval bridge across the river (pont des chouans) leading to the porte Maillot entrance through the ramparts

- some impressive grand houses of the 15th century (including Hotel Tyndo and the Hotel des Trois Rois)

- the Saint-Médard church (note particularly the western facade), and the church of Saint-Laon, dominated by its sturdy belltower

- the Town Hall

Other attractions in Thouars

- the 'regional centre for resistance and liberty' is dedicated to telling the story of the resistance movement in the region during the Second World War (situated in the castle stables).

- the wrought iron bridge across the river, built in 1950 to replace an earlier bridge destroyed in the war (built to exactly the same design as the original)

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

Tourist classifications for Thouars: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*; Listed town of Art and History;

Suggested places to visit near Thouars, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Chateau de Saumur 33km; Saumur 33km; Montsoreau 34km; Candes-Saint-Martin 34km; Parthenay 37km; Chateau Chinon 40km; Chinon 42km; Chateau du Rivau 43km; Chateau de Brissac 46km; Sanxay 56km; Crissay-sur-Manse 57km;

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

Thouars tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise de Saint Généroux (Saint-Generoux) - religious monument (12km) : Eglise Abbatial de Saint Jouin (Saint-Jouin-de-Marnes) - religious monument (16km) : Eglise abbatiale de Saint Pierre (Airvault) - religious monument (17km) : Montreuil-Bellay - recommended detour (18km) : Loudun - recommended detour (23km) : Abbaye Notre Dame de Fontevraud (Fontevraud Abbey) - religious monument (30km) : Collegiale Church (Candes-Saint-Martin) - religious monument (34km) : Loire-Anjou-Touraine - regional natural parc (37km) :

French version: see Thouars (Francais)