What are the must-see attractions in the Thouarsais?
Between historical heritage, exceptional natural sites and must-see events, don't miss anything the Thouarsais has to offer!
Throughout the year, we invite you to explore our treasures through a wide range of activities and discoveries.
What are the upcoming events?
Discover and take part in festive, cultural and sporting events organised in the Thouarsais, according to your preferences and interests.
My favourites in the Thouarsais
Discover the towns of the area
St Léger de Montbrun
Located in the north of the Deux-Sèvres department, near the border with Vienne, the commune of Saint-Léger-de-Montbrun lies about 6 km from Thouars, within the Bressuire district and the canton of Val du Thouet. The commune is made up of eight villages—Chenne, Daymé, Meulle, Orbé, Puyraveau, Rigny, Tille, and Vrères—as well as several hamlets including Beauvais, La Croix Blanche, La Verrie-Lavaux Fourche, Le Gripaux, and Saint-Léonard.
The name Saint-Léger-de-Montbrun, in use since 1340, refers to the church of Saint-Léger, located on the Montbrun hill which overlooks the Thouars plain.
With a population of 1,272, the residents are known as Montbrunois. Covering 3,072 hectares, it is the largest commune in the canton, featuring a road network of over 130 km.
Neighboring communes include Louzy, Missé, Oiron, Pas-de-Jeu, Saint-Cyr-la-Lande, Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon, Taizé, and Tourtenay.
Tourtenay
The commune of Tourtenay is located in the northern part of the Deux-Sèvres department. Situated on a hill, it offers panoramic views of the neighboring Vienne and Maine-et-Loire departments.
A Rabelaisian legend says that the hill of Tourtenay is a clod of earth that fell from Gargantua’s hoof as he crossed Poitou. Beyond this imaginative tale, the origins and history of the commune are not well documented. However, archaeological discoveries show that the area was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age and during the Gallo-Roman period.
The first recorded mention of Tourtenay dates back to the 7th century: it was given by a Poitevin noble named Astase to Achard, abbot of Jumièges. After that, historical records become scarce.
To learn about Tourtenay and follow its development through the centuries, certain sites and buildings provide valuable clues.
St Jean de Thouars
A residential commune nestled around the remains of its former abbey, Saint-Jean stretches across 496 hectares along the winding banks of the Thouet River, at the foot of the Thouars citadel. Until 1910, it was known as Saint-Jean de Bonneval.
The first recorded mention of Saint-Jean dates back to 973, in a charter from King Lothair confirming the foundation of a religious institution of the Benedictine order. This would become the heart of the community: the Abbey of Saint-Jean de Bonneval.
After gaining considerable influence over the centuries—especially in the 17th century—the abbey declined, was sold as national property during the French Revolution, and eventually demolished.
The population of Saint-Jean has grown significantly in recent decades. In 1968, it numbered 606 residents; by the most recent census, it had reached 1,342 inhabitants.
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