Val-du-Mignon is a town of Deux-Sèvres, in Aquitaine region Nova, about twenty kilometers southwest of Niort.
It was established in January 1, 2019 following the merger of the towns of Usseau, the seat (884 inhabitants), Priaires (119 inhabitants) and Thorigny-sur-le-Mignon (105 inhabitants), now with a total of some 1,100 inhabitants.
Its territory of 28 square kilometers belongs to the natural region of the Marais Poitevin and, in part, to the south, already in the Charente.
Situated on the old Roman road linking Saintes in Nantes, the new town is rich of an important Gallo-Roman heritage, now highlighted. The wars of a hundred years and those of Religion have somewhat affected, before agriculture (dairy, cereals) and a time viticulture (Priaires belonged to the Cognac production area until the late nineteenth century) do not ensure its prosperity. At the heart of a green environment (wood, crops, protected wetlands) dotted with heritage interest elements, crossed by a tributary of the Sèvre who gave him his charming name, Val-du-Mignon proves a nice step, less than 45 minutes from the Atlantic coast.
In terms of heritage, a discovery tour can start with the village of Ussau and St. Peter's Church, which originally served a Benedictine priory. The building dates from the twelfth century for its oldest parts: he remains so novels capitals decorated with masks. The church was then rebuilt in the fifteenth century with the construction of a Gothic choir. Its uniqueness is however to be strengthened, as evidenced by watchtowers, and harboring ancient tombstones and sarcophagi from the Middle Ages.
Besides an old laundry and remains of mills which prove that the milling activity was booming, the jewel of the town is Castle Olbreuse protected as historical monuments since 1973. He became famous when Eleanor Marie Desmier of Olbreuse who was born there in 1639 became Countess of Wilhemsburg. Some time later, she was going to be the wedding of his daughter, Sophia Dorothea of Brunswick, the beautiful mother of the English King George I! The building itself was first in the thirteenth century a house with four towers. There remains only two now, and the whole is more like a country manor house than a castle with ostentatious decorations. Old Protestant stronghold, remodeled in the eighteenth century, especially in the facades, it still retains a medieval tower pierced with loopholes. A time converted into a restaurant, it is still private property.
A Usseau always, the Château de Beaulieu has retained for his part some elements of the sixteenth century.
To Finally, as regards the evidence of the Roman presence, number of relics unearthed during archaeological excavations are now collected and exhibited at the Cultural Center Pierre-Henri Mitard. Information at +33 5 49 10 49 81.
In the village of Thorigny, in terms of even heritage, also a former mill eighteenth century, the Church of Our Lady which justifies a detour: the current building dates from 1829, which replaced a church of the eleventh century sold as national property and destroyed during the Revolution. Note that it houses stained glass windows and a recent bill fresco made by young volunteers.
Finally, Priaires, also dedicated to Our Lady, the church rebuilt in the nineteenth century replaced a building attached to a priory in the Middle Ages. its bell tower and Note, inside, a baptismal font dating from 1629.
In terms of activities and leisure "nature", the common Val-du-Mignon delight fishing enthusiasts, the Cute as other rivers of the territory revealing especially rich in trout. Check with the local association in +33 5 49 04 97 14.
In another, to discover the landscapes of the Marais Poitevin in gaining altitude, you should contact the ULM club based on the ancient village of Usseau where land was laid. Information +33 5 49 04 93 14.
For fans of hiking, finally, the woods of Beaulieu, on Thorigny, and 73 hectares classified for their fauna and flora, limestone hill where orchids bloom between land and channels and generally landscapes rural and verdant land are wonderful opportunities. Several marked trails are available besides longer circuits may enable buy via Niort Marais. Maps and information +33 5 49 24 18 79.
