Aiffres is a commune in the Deux-Sèvres department, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, to the south-east of Niort which it borders.
Its territory of 25 km² is located at the crossroads of the Niortaise plain and the margins of the Marais poitevin. It is crossed by the course of the Guirande, a tributary of the Sèvre Niortaise whose valley forms a hillside which adds to the charm of the green landscapes. The locality is covered with agricultural land (82% of its area) and includes a Natura 2000 protected area to the south due to its ornithological richness.
Aiffres is now also crossed by the route of the A10 which connects Paris to Bordeaux.
In the Middle Ages, this small seigniory belonged to the Dukes of Aquitaine, on the border between the provinces of Poitou and Aunis-Saintonge. It is thus at the center of many conflicts and desires, especially during the Hundred Years War. Later, the Wars of Religion and the persecution of Protestants during the Dragonnades (end of the 17th century) still caused much damage.
Having absorbed the neighboring commune of Saint-Maurice-du-Mairé (to the west) in 1836, Aiffres maintained a rural aspect and an economy geared towards agriculture until the 1960s. At present, its demographic growth linked to that of the Niortaise agglomeration has made it a real small town in the countryside of nearly 5700 inhabitants. Its heritage, its cultural vitality and its leisure offer are appreciated during a stay in the region.
In terms of heritage, a discovery walk in the town can start with the Saint-Pierre church, on the heights overlooking the old town and the Guirande. Its oldest parts date from the 12th century: the bell tower, part of the nave, a side chapel and certain decorations are thus Romanesque. The choir, on the other hand, is Gothic, therefore later. Very damaged after the Revolution (it served as a wood depot), the building was restored in the 19th century. It is then equipped with a vault, which leads to the elevation of the side walls. Note the capitals at the level of the portal, the barlong bell tower, the preserved Romanesque bays of the nave or the stained glass windows of the choir evoking the miraculous deliverance of Saint Peter (19th century) and the astonishing Stations of the Cross made from staves of oak barrels.
In the religious field, again, in the former village of Saint-Maurice, the eponymous church dating from the 11th century was listed in the Inventory in 1927. The building had already lost its choir by then, but it was still possible to observe Romanesque capitals inside and carved decorations at the level of the door. From now on, the old church is used as a barn.
Another piece of heritage is protected as historical monuments: it is the 12th century hosannière cross (for funerary purposes) still located in the cemetery, and which was recently restored. 12 meters high, its square base supports four columns welded in a cross. It has a stone tablet used by priests during outdoor services, especially on Palm Sunday.
In terms of civil heritage, mention should be made of the château de la Seigneurie (also known as the château d'Aiffres), from the 18th century, with an orangery, which became a retirement home, that of Grandmay (18th and 19th), within a park, or the remains of the Château du Bouchet and that of Martigny.
On the cultural side, the town has choice facilities that allow a rich program in terms of shows (concerts, theater, dance galas) and artist residencies are also organized. La Maison Pour Tous is one of the pillars of this cultural vitality (information on +33 5 49 77 51 07) but shows are also hosted at Espace Jean Vilar and Espace Tartalin, also dedicated to professional events. Information on +33 5 49 32 02 47.
Animations (readings, meetings, exhibitions) are also offered at the media library: information on +33 5 49 32 18 62.
Note, however, that the Musée des Ruralies dedicated to machinery agricultural, established in 1985 on an area of the A10, has now closed its doors. Its collections have been transferred to Chartres in an establishment which has the same theme as its object. It was succeeded by a shop specializing in regional products.
For athletes, many facilities are available in the locality and tennis courts can be reserved with the local club on +33 5 49 32 09 09.
Finally, it is hikers (on foot or by bike) who benefit from a varied potential in the locality. In addition to the outings offered by the walking club (contact +33 7 81 53 56 30), the Mairé pedestrian circuit (12 km) is available, which includes heritage elements and paths in bucolic landscapes or loops along, for example, the course of the Guirande… Without forgetting the possibility of reaching Niort via side roads. For cyclists and mountain bikers, a number of dedicated trails have been laid out in the urbanized part of the town. Nevertheless, it is the cycle route 93 which connects Niort to Limousin, 380 km long, which seems best suited to discover on a safe route, the charms of Aiffres, its countryside and the surrounding localities... Maps and information at +33 5 49 32 02 47 or +33 5 49 24 18 79.
Every Saturday, on the Place de l'Eglise, the market highlights local products and artisans from the region.
The second weekend of June, Aiffricades festival with parade of floats, street art shows, concerts.
On July 13, in the evening, celebration of the national holiday at Espace Tartalin with meal, ball and fireworks.
The second Saturday in September, Bee Festival.
Grand Concert Gospel à Aiffres
- On 24 march 2024
- 435 Rue de l'Église, Espace Tartalin
- Celebrating Spring with anjca - Come and listen to over 50 choristers - With the Gospel Choir "La Puce à l'Oreille" from La Rochelle and young people from the Conservatoire de niort agglo - Rhythms, sharing, energy, a moment of pleasure ! - We look forward to seeing you with your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues ? - Organized by the Association Niortaise de Jumelage Cooperation with COVE (Benin) and atakpa (togo) - Helloasso. Com booking and ticket sales on site from 3:30 p.m
Théâtre - Match d'Improvisation Aline / Quebec - à Aiffres
- On 26 march 2024
- 435 Rue de l'Église
- Aline & Cie brings you the crème de la crème in an improvisational match, and what better way than to bring in the inventors of the Match d'Impro : Quebec ! - The company is counting on you to come celebrate its 25th anniversary at Espace Tartalin and give you a memorable evening !
Spectacle - Les Dangers de la Lecture, par Titus - Aiffres
- On 29 march 2024
- 435 Rue de l'Église, Espace Tartalin
- Titus from Compagnie Caus'toujours presents a rather pertinent lecture that has the courage to denounce the innumerable evils of reading. - He's been delighting us with his inventive, offbeat creations for 30 years, so come and appreciate his subversive spirit ! - Ages 12 and up.
Théâtre - MATCH ! La Rencontre Amoureuse à l'ère du Numérique, par la Cie La Soeur de Shakespeare - Aiffres
- On 5 april 2024
- 435 Rue de l'Église
- Theater, funny and moving autofiction on dating sites. - How do you go about finding real, true love ? Marilyne portrays her journey with great humor, and gives us her sharp eye on the love market. - Informations : - From age 14, - Running time : 1h10
Yves Duteil à Aiffres
- On 20 april 2024
- 435 Rue de l'Église, Espace Tartalin
- La Guirandelle, the association's choir from the foyer d'Aiffres, invites Yves Duteil for his concert "Chemin d'écriture" at the Espace Tartalin. - 50 amateur choristers will join the singer for 5 of his songs. - Tickets on sale at - https://www.ticketmaster.fr - Fnac spectacles. Com
Concert - Jungle Dusk - Aiffres
- On 26 april 2024
- 435 Rue de l'Église
- Concert - groove / Funk - This is the story of 5 musicians, from Poitevin and Bordeaux, who meet in 2021 to play music around a common passion : groove and funk ! - From Pop-Funk to Rock and Jazz influences : "Jungle Dusk" is born. - A funk and groove concert, positive vibes = a golden opportunity to get your groove on ! - Information : - For all ages. Duration : 1h30