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

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

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

St Martin de Macon

Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon is a rural community with 324 inhabitants, located in the northern part of the Deux-Sèvres department, within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It consists of several villages and hamlets, including Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon, Mayé, Chavigny, Pied de Grolle, Bandouille, Rivet, Le Petit Puy, and Grand’Homme.

The commune is part of the Communauté de Communes du Thouarsais (Thouarsais Community of Communes). Saint-Martin-de-Mâcon has a rich history dating back over a thousand years. The small settlement formed in the 11th century and has been known by various names over time: Ecclesia de Mascone (1021–1022), Sanctus Martinus de Machum (1249), Maacon (1278), Mascons (1300), Saint Martin Mascon (1573), and finally Saint Martin de Mascon (1782).

Photo de St Martin de Macon

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