Commune of Vendée, Pays de la Loire, Pouzauges takes place about fifty kilometers from La Roche-sur-Yon, on the edge of the Deux-Sèvres department. It is located near Reaumur Menomblet and Rochetrejoux and extends over 3,600 hectares.
The old Puzalgiae developed from the Gallo-Roman, gradually revealing the face it has today. Heavily affected by the horrors of the Hundred Years War, it was also marked by the horrors of the Vendée war between 1793 and 1796, notably through the massacre of 400 people during the Christmas night 1793 and the massacre by infernal columns in 1794.
Today more peaceful, the city of the west of France continues to attract visitors passing by the charm of its architecture and its rich historical heritage.
Built in the eleventh century, the Saint-Jacques takes place in the upper part of the city. Combining the Romanesque and Gothic styles, it is enlarged in the fifteenth century to accommodate new worshipers present. The building three ships is now topped by a square tower and reveals corbels finely carved on the walls. Inside, difficult to resist the windows of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries that tell part of the Vendée war.
Open to the public, the castle Pouzauges is located on one of the highest hills in the area, more than 240 meters. It is originally built in the twelfth century under the influence of family Thouars before experiencing changes in the fifteenth century by the wife of the notorious Gilles de Rais. At that time, the medieval dungeon turned into residential tower with the addition of windows and carved fireplaces. From Niort style, the current dungeon reminiscent of Tiffauges, also creating Gilles de Rais. Top twenty-six meters, it still presents his own murderous or latrines. Its park, freely accessible, is also very pleasant.
Built in the eleventh century, the Church of Our Lady of the Old Pouzauges reveals a Romanesque architecture that tends towards the Gothic style. Ranked historic monument, the building retains traces of color on the walls and reveals several paintings of the Old Testament, monsters or showing the months of the year by the field work. Its paving, remarkable, consists of 99 tombstones from the cemetery that adjoined the church once.
Unique in the Vendée, the twin mills of Terrier Marteau were built in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Eight meters high, they were once used for making flour. Restored, one of the buildings is again used for the creation of a local organic wheat flour and is open to the public who finds pleasure making bread. An enclosed park surrounds the site including chickens, peacocks and geese and two donkeys. Open from 1 to 31 August, it offers entertainment for children and guided tours.
Strolling around, be sure to also discover the castle of Cacaudière nineteenth century, the manor of Puy Papin fifteenth, the dolmen of Marchais, the ruins of the Abbey Wood Roland or Abbey Chaplaincy.
To explore the city, you can take the Green Wire, a tourist charming course, before you open the Lake Hope for swimming and fishing.
- The weekly markets are held every Thursday and Saturday morning.
- In April, the town offers an Easter egg hunt.
- In June, up to Pouzaugeaises Cotes, a friendly foot race.
- Concerts are offered in June on the occasion of Music Day.
- Each year in July 13 Pouzauges celebrates National Day with entertainment, dancing and fireworks.
- Some counties aperitifs are offered in July and August.
- For Christmas, several events are organized in the city such as carriage rides, a carousel or a mini-farm.
- A Christmas market is held in December.
Authentic Visit: Small City of Character
- From 21 june to 27 september 2022
- 30 Place de l'Église, Office de tourisme du Pays de Pouzauges
- In the heart of this Small City of Character, the guide leads you through the streets and alleys to discover the main monuments. The route allows you to enter the Castle, the emblem of the city. From above, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the bocage. - From June 20th to 30th: Tuesday at 11am. - From July 1st to August 31st: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11am. - From September 1st to 27th: Tuesday at 11am. - Departure from the Tourist Office. Duration: 1h30
Night Getaway
- From 21 june to 31 august 2022
- 30 Place de l'Église, Office de tourisme du Pays de Pouzauges
- The winding alleys, sometimes narrow, are one of the peculiarities of this Small City of Character. Like a labyrinth, you can discover the secret corners and the characters who have marked the history of the place, by the light of lanterns… - Duration 1h30. Reservation is recommended, the number of places is limited. - Departure from the tourist office at 20:30.
Mathilde Colin Enameler - Initiation
- From 10 to 13 august 2022
- 11 Rue Georges Clemenceau, Espace La Mûroise
- Mathilde Colin exhibits her achievements from August 10 to 14, 2022 and offers introductory workshops for all ages. - Workshop : - Wednesday the 10th, from 14h30 to 16h: awakening workshop from 4 years old (painting decorated on enamel plate – in the presence of parents) - Thursday the 11th, from 14h30 to 16h: workshop for children from 8 years old / teenagers / adults (jewelry or enamel decoration) - Friday the 12th, from 14h30 to 16h: workshop for children from 8 years old / teenagers / adults (jewelry or enamel decoration) - Saturday the 13th, from 14:30 to 17:30: workshop for children from 8 years old / teenagers / adults (in-depth workshop (small object or jewel) - Registration at the Centre des Remparts or by phone or email.
Apéro-Conté- les Gouailleuses
- On 13 august 2022
- Parc des Ournais
- By The Comedy of Dreams. - Petronille and Lisette will put on their Sunday clothes and offer you their most beautiful smiles. - Mirabelle will be happy to tell you many anecdotes about her Romuald, Duke of Bonimenterie, who has left, but who will return, he promised her! - An explosive trio to spice up your evening! - In short, a medieval-offbeat happening with a bonus, a lot of funny anecdotes, truculent situations, and moments of emotion! - In case of rain, the evening will take place at the Centre des Remparts - 6 rue Fortuné Parenteau.
