Thouars, a Town in the Countryside
Located in the north of the Deux-Sèvres department, Thouars sits at the gateway to the Loire Valley. From narrow valleys to limestone plains, follow the winding Thouet River to reach this slate and tuffeau stone town, proudly labeled a City of Art and History. Perched majestically on a rocky promontory, the Château des Ducs de la Trémoïlle dominates the Thouet Valley below. With over 20 monuments classified or listed as Historic Monuments, Thouars is full of architectural treasures waiting to be discovered.
Stroll through its streets and alleyways and let the charm of the town captivate you...
The Charm of the Thouarsais, Between Regional Borders and Picturesque Valley
Nestled at the crossroads of Anjou, Poitou, and Touraine regions, 35 km south of Saumur, the Thouarsais territory serves as the northern gateway to Deux-Sèvres and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. The area includes 24 communes centered around its main town, Thouars. Built on a rocky outcrop, Thouars is like a green jewel in the meanders of the Thouet River.
The Fascinating Evolution of Thouars Through the Centuries
From the 8th century, Thouars was a coveted stronghold, becoming one of the largest and most powerful domains in Poitou. The town grew with the construction of Saint-Laon Abbey in the late 11th century, followed by the Saint-Médard church, and by the end of the 12th century, a fortress and defensive walls dotted with towers and gates, still visible in the landscape today. The noble La Trémoïlle family, close to royal power, brought prestige to Thouars in 1635 by rebuilding the castle overlooking the Thouet. A revolutionary town, Thouars witnessed clashes between royalists and republicans during the Vendée wars. It wasn’t until the late 19th century, with the arrival of the railway and the building of the station and Eiffel viaduct, that Thouars saw an economic revival.
Discover Thouars’ Vibrant Culture and Natural Treasures
Home to around 14,000 residents and proudly labeled a City of Art and History, Thouars offers walking tours and numerous places to visit: the Henri Barré Museum, the Regional Center for Resistance & Liberty, the Jeanne d’Arc Art Chapel, and the Toarcian Nature Reserve — a must-see for geology enthusiasts. Cultural life thrives with festivals like Terri’Thouars Blues, the “Au fil du Thouet” Festival, and the Montgolfiade balloon festival. Hiking and cycling routes (including the Vélofrancette) run through Thouars and the Thouet Valley, leading to protected natural areas like the Pressoir Valley, the Pommiers Waterfall, and the Petits Sablons site, which offers stunning views of the historic town. The Thouarsais Wine Route (AOC Anjou and Saumur) winds through vineyards and charming villages such as Val en Vignes, Tourtenay (known for its troglodyte dwellings), and Oiron (home to a Renaissance castle and internationally renowned modern art collection).