Thouars Tourist Office

Located in the north of the Deux-Sèvres department, at the crossroads of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and the Loire Valley, the Thouarsais, with its vineyards and its architectural and natural heritage, attracts lovers of nature and culture.

Vue aérienne de Thouars

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.

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.

Photo de St Léger de Montbrun

Ste Verge

A lively small town in the Deux-Sèvres department, Sainte-Verge is part of the canton of Thouars. The commune has around 1,414 inhabitants, known as Saint-Vergeois and Saint-Vergeoises.
The Thouet River is the main watercourse, bordering the commune’s banks, along with the Losse, a small stream running through the village that originates on Docteur Basset Street.
Sainte-Verge is home to about fifteen different associations, ranging from sports to cultural groups. They all share one common goal: to bring life and activity to the community.
As part of local development plans, the Municipal Council has worked to enhance an area on the edge of the village. Located within a recreational zone with existing facilities such as a football field, tennis courts, and fishing ponds, this area serves as a popular spot for walks and relaxation.

Photo de Ste Verge

Pas de Jeu

Its name dates back to the Roman occupation of the region, when it was dangerous to cross the marshes of the Dive. A pagan altar, Passus Jovis, the Passage of Jupiter, was erected there. The place kept its name, ecclesia de Joco (1300), Pas de Jeu (1596) Passus Jovis or ‘Jupiter's Passage’. Since then, the Dive, a tributary of the Thouet, has been channelled The Dive is channelled downstream from Pas-de-Jeu. A path, formerly a towpath, follows its banks, making it easy to walk along the river. This church was built in 1874, opposite the old one, which was deemed too small and had been out of use since 1870. As the church was built over a cemetery, its ossuary was placed in the square of the transept in 1877.

Consecrated on Sunday 28 April 1878, the church's patron saint is Saint-Hilaire. The boat in the port of Saint-Laon in Pas-de-Jeu is emblematic. Found in the brambles near the port in the early 1990s by a resident of Saint-Laon, it weighs one tonne and measures 9.5 m in length, 1.90 m in width and 0.90 m at its highest point. It is mainly made of metal. There are also a few wooden parts. The boat was used for mowing the canal and its banks. It is the only known example in western France. It was returned to the old port in 1994.

Photo de Pas de Jeu

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