Gourgé is a commune in the Deux-Sèvres department, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, 12 km northeast of Parthenay.
Its vast territory of 50 km² is crossed from south to north by the course of the Thouet, a tributary of the Loire, and to the west, by that of the Cébron: joined by its tributaries, the Raconnière and the Taconnière, it then forms a 185 hectare reservoir which encroaches on the town of Saint-Loup-Lamairé, to the north.
The locality of
The environment of the municipality bears witness to this, which is mainly covered by meadows (39% of its surface area), arable land (33%) and various agricultural areas (19%).
Comprising a town, on the left bank of the Thouet, and several hamlets, Gourgé was divided into several fiefdoms which appeared in the Middle Ages and developed under the Ancien Régime.
The result is a rich heritage. Nowadays, agricultural activity remains, but the town (which has a little over 900 inhabitants) also highlights its living environment and its preserved nature: enough to satisfy lovers of green tourism (hiking, fishing, etc.).
The locality has a heritage that is both rich and varied, within which there are several sites protected as historical monuments.
A discovery tour can begin in the northwest of the territory with the Château d'Orfeuille, seat of a lordship mentioned since the 14th century which depended on the Duchy of Thouars. It was then owned by the Argenton family, the Thibaults and then the Linax. In 1618, the estate returned to Samuel Guichard, squire and lord of Châtelier-Payré. His descendants remained there until the Revolution. The castle having been burned and rebuilt several times was redesigned at the end of the 19th century by the architect Barbaud, consisting of a massive dwelling flanked by round towers at its corners. The exteriors are protected by an enclosure also equipped with towers (one of them houses a dovecote), access being via a monumental porch. A chapel was built near the outbuildings. The property, still private, listed in the Inventory, is not open to the public.
On the east of the village, also listed, the Logis de la Chaussée was the seat of a lordship known since the 12th century. The current building dates mainly from the 15th century, comprising a rectangular dwelling flanked by a round tower on the west side and a watchtower to the east which has been transformed into a dovecote. Note that mullioned windows and defensive elements (bretêches) have been preserved and, inside, medieval fireplaces and a spiral staircase.
In the town, a number of sites should be mentioned which give Gourgé a picturesque appearance.
In addition to archaeological remains testifying to a Gallo-Roman settlement on 30 hectares along the old Roman road linking Poitiers to Nantes, there is the Fresne dovecote, dating from the 15th century, which in fact turns out to be a old tower of the enclosure of a manor, the Thouet wheat mill, the Romanesque bridge over the Thouet (12th century), first established on stilts then restored, the Vergnée house (16th century, where Henry III stopped in 1569) or the Chemin de l'Archère and its bridge, of ancient origin.
Regarding religious heritage, it is appropriate to include in this route the parish church of Saint-Hilaire, a Romanesque style building dating from the 12th century (with a side porch which served as shelter and a meeting place and which presents frescoes at the level of the apse), the Notre-Dame de Pitié chapel (19th century) and the astonishing hosannière cross, in the cemetery: dating from the 12th century, a Palm Sunday service was celebrated there on an altar located at its base…
The municipality has designed a “walk” which includes the main heritage sites of the town and its immediate surroundings: the opportunity for a 4 km long family walk. Leaflet and information at the town hall on +33 5 49 69 81 54 or from the intercommunal tourist office on +33 5 49 64 24 24.
As for cultural leisure, shows and association events are regularly hosted in the village hall (recently renovated) and activities are offered at the library: contact the town hall on +33 5 49 69 81 54.
But it is the offer of "nature" and sporting leisure activities which is particularly substantial in the town.
The potential represented by Lake Cébron, to the north, is an illustration of this. Spanning 185 hectares (it has become the largest drinking water production site in Deux-Sèvres), this ensemble (body of water and banks) is synonymous with a multitude of landscapes changing with the seasons and an exceptional biological richness. If the leisure center is located on its north-eastern shore, belonging to the commune of Saint-Loup-Lamairé, we can since Gourgé multiply the hikes and fishing trips. Information on +33 5 49 64 60 21.
For fishermen, again, a course with pontoons is set up on the course of the Thouet (populated with white and predatory fish), managed by the local association. Contact +33 5 49 69 86 65.
On the private domain of the Étang de la Barre (11 hectares), to the southwest of the village, "no kill" fishing enthusiasts are welcome throughout the year (presence of carp, pike, tench, etc.). The green environment also invites relaxation. Price: 12 euros per day. Contact +33 6 21 24 24 61.
For hikers, mountain bike loops are available from a labeled base (marked routes of variable length), and hiking trails dedicated to small rural heritage and the discovery of landscapes bucolic countryside of Gâtine and its bocages.
Furthermore, for younger children, treasure hunts are offered via digital applications. Maps and information from the tourist office on +33 5 49 64 24 24.
It is finally possible to explore this green countryside during pleasant horseback rides. This is one of the activities offered by the Moulin du Fresne Equestrian Domain (with also the possibility of taking yoga classes or learning about market gardening). Information on +33 6 31 16 67 20.
