Airvault
![Airvault](http://images.ctfassets.net/zfxytrk6nf7m/6mD0IOX2z6rxqQ082gHaZj/63d5e12072742ed829f8b00c573570ce/Copyright-Studio-Francis-CRTNA-Vue_d_Airvault_et_de_son_eglise_abbatiale-12558.png?w=700&h=300&q=90&fit=fill)
Airvault, a historic medieval village, developed around one of the finest abbatial churches in Poitou. The village has rich religious and medieval heritage as well as remarkable 19th-century industrial heritage.
Must sees : Saint-Pierre abbatial church, the underground fountain (contact Airvault Tourist Office which will lend you the key) and the Jacques Guidez Museum.
Arçais
![Arçais](http://images.ctfassets.net/zfxytrk6nf7m/6HjfocIpt3PvSEYPya1f37/153510fb72ce06d6149b6d675c58f2cc/Copyright-Studio-Francis-CRTNA-Visite_des_marais_Poitevin_au_depart_d_Arcais_dans_les_Deux-Sevres-12559.png?w=700&h=300&q=90&fit=fill)
This village, set at the very heart of the “marais mouillé” (wet marsh), is surrounded by a labyrinth of trenches, “conches”, the Vendée name for narrow canals, gullies and wide canals which give it a very special “Green Venice” charm.
Must sees : The site of the Bourdettes, between Arçais and Damvix, features a canal lock (1862-1872) and a former cable-operated lift bridge.
For more ideas of activities to enjoy in the Marais Poitevin, see our article “5 ways to explore the Marais Poitevin”
Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet
This village, located on the banks of the Thouet River, is incredibly-enchanting with its half-timbered houses established along the main thoroughfare leading to the castle.
Take time out and discover Thouet Valley countryside along the enjoyable hiking and cycling trails.
Must sees: the Church of Notre Dame and the castle with its French formal gardens (on request).
More details about Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet
Coulon
![Coulon](http://images.ctfassets.net/zfxytrk6nf7m/3yG70UkRt7mZZsOEX1CTqB/f0bacf6c85789d15256b8625c087a1bf/Copyright-PNR-Marais-Poitevin-CRTNA-Embarcadere_de_Coulon_pour_le_marais_Poitevin-16238.png?w=700&h=300&q=90&fit=fill)
Coulon, nestling at the heart of the Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park, enjoys a strategic position between Niort and the ocean. During your tour, stop off and visit the Holy Trinity Church, then head off to enjoy the must-do activity of the marshes: sailing along the canals in a boat!
Insider favourite: for a deliciously-gourmet interlude, head over to Le Central Restaurant: family-run, trendy and country-style cuisine, wonderful patio: the must-not-miss place to eat to discover the specialities of the region.
La Mothe-Saint-Héray
![La Mothe-Saint-Héray](http://images.ctfassets.net/zfxytrk6nf7m/6pvtJ60g0I7mIlKj5pXR8S/cfb54d768b4b6c2b709ceeb4465a6577/Copyright-Studio-Francis-CRTNA-L_Orangerie_de_La-Mothe-Saint-Heray_dans_les_Deux-Sevres-12543.png?w=700&h=300&q=90&fit=fill)
Discover mills, bridges, wash houses, illustrating the omnipresence of water to perfection. While you stroll along, the town reveals ever-so charming aspects of the past and hosts an Orangery with French formal gardens, remains of the medieval castle.
Hiking and cycling trails offer one-of-a-kind opportunities to observe the incredible fauna and flora of the Sèvre Niortaise River. Also worth visiting, the Moulin de l'Abbé and Saint Héray Church.
Celles-sur-belle
![Celles-sur-belle](http://images.ctfassets.net/zfxytrk6nf7m/4wI00SWbxFEtIqh29LsUf/e07623e40558a52ad3f4619c396b02e8/Copyright-Studio-Francis-CRTNA-Vue_de_la_Celle-sur-Belle_dans_les_Deux-Sevres-12563.png?w=700&h=300&q=90&fit=fill)
At the centre of the “Pays Mellois” (Melle country), the town of Celles-sur-Belle has extremely well-preserved religious heritage the Royal Abbey of Notre-Dame founded in the 17th century, as well as Saint Hilaire Church and its Romanesque vestiges.
This town also boasts rich natural heritage: the Belle Valley, the Abbey’s French formal gardens, etc.
Must sees: the Royal Abbey of Notre-Dame’s museographic site and the Vintage Motorbike area.
More details about Celles-sur-Belle
Insider favourite: right next door to the Abbey, if you would like to enjoy a meal or an overnight stay, we recommend the Hostellerie de l’Abbaye: perfect hospitality, modern, stylish décor as well as a creative, talented chef. Elegant, friendly atmosphere, perfect after a day of visits.
Melle
![Melle](http://images.ctfassets.net/zfxytrk6nf7m/6dB1trhJhbUYidCpoIoHKm/0d079c746267b225a6f1e47a89dfcc96/Copyright-Studio-Francis-CRTNA-Eglise_Saint_Pierre_De_Melle_dans_les_Deux-Sevres-12547.png?w=700&h=300&q=90&fit=fill)
Situated on the Santiago de Compostela route, 30 kilometres south-east of Niort, Melle invites to discover a rich historic and religious heritage, including Saint Hilaire Church, a historic monument, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, as one of the stop-over points of the Santiago de Compostela route in France.
The town also places special emphasis on contemporary artistic creation through its Contemporary Art Biennial.
Must sees: the Frankish Kings’ Silver Mines, the Triade Romane (the trio of Romanesque churches), the Discovery Trail Arboretum , the Monet and Goyon Motorcycle Museum.
Mauleon
![Mauleon](http://images.ctfassets.net/zfxytrk6nf7m/48Wk2XeWKdJkP8Myi531TZ/887387479d2e41054aede40494eac1ac/Copyright-Studio-Francis-CRTNA-Vue_de_Mauleon__et_de_l_eglise_de_la_Trinite_dans_les_Deux-Sevres-12545.png?w=700&h=300&q=90&fit=fill)
Mauléon, a medieval town between Bressuire and Cholet, has well-preserved traces of its fortifications. During the “Wars of Vendée”, the town was even the capital of the area, scene of bloody battles between Deux-Sèvres, Anjou and Vendée.
Must sees: the Romanesque Church of St Jouin, Ouin Valley for its panoramic views over the town and the history museum.
Oiron
![Oiron](http://images.ctfassets.net/zfxytrk6nf7m/59tA5YBPSWVxrkCOxG3MKc/c17c1ef83be3f76aa5029ff71dfec7c8/Copyright-F_Leroy-CRTNA-Chateau_de_Oiron_dans_les_Deux-Sevres-12352.png?w=700&h=300&q=90&fit=fill)
Oiron, a wine-producing village set in the “pays Thouarsais” (Thouars country), 13 km west of Thouars, is famous for its prestigious castle - gateway to the famous Loire castles - built between the 16th and 17th centuries. This castle hosts a contemporary art collection inspired by the cabinet of curiosities theme. Its Renaissance gallery offers one of the most exquisite examples of mural paintings created during the 16th century.
Must sees: the Château d'Oiron and the 16th- and 18th-century collegiate church which dominates the village.
Enjoy time out with your family and discover the “Petites Cités de Caractère” (“Villages and Small Towns of Character”) of Melle, Celles-sur-Belle and La Mothe-Saint-Heray with Terra Aventura, a free treasure hunt. Kids (and adults alike!) will be over the moon!
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