Born of the fusion of Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet and Lamaire in 1974, the commune of Saint-Loup-Lamairé takes place in New-Aquitaine, in the department of Deux-Sèvres. It is 20 kilometers from Parthenay, and about seventy kilometers from Poitiers, at the confluence of the Thouet and the Cebron.
Founded at the end of the eleventh century, the town of Saint-Loup reveals remains of Gallo-Roman occupation. Property of Artus Gouffier, adviser of François Ier, in the 16th century, it gradually becomes a high place of Poitou, being recognized for its activities as weavers and tanners between the seventeenth and eighteenth century.
Today, Saint-Loup-Lamairé is mainly known for its dairy business, and especially for the manufacture of its goat cheese renowned throughout the country. An important architectural and historical heritage adds to the charm of this ancient city.
Classified as Historic Monuments, the castle of Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet has now been converted into guest rooms. Originally built in the 11th century, the building was modified in the 13th century by the addition of a square tower of four levels, before being completely rebuilt in the 17th century by the Count of Caravaz who inspired his Marquis de Carabas to Charles Perrault. A place to welcome the famous Black Prince or the King of France John II the Good when he was taken prisoner at the Battle of Poitiers, the building can still be admired today. The central part recalls the famous castle of Cheverny, while the fifteenth century dungeon, the oldest part of the building, can be seen proudly. French gardens have been reconstructed on the banks of the Thouet, according to plans of the Renaissance. It is possible to discover an orangery redesigned in the eighteenth century, an ornamental garden, or even gardens of pleasure.
As you walk through Saint-Loup-Lamairé, you will be able to discover many old mansions, like the old hotel du Parquet, with its half-timbered facade classified as a Historic Monument, or the house of Arouet listed in the Historic Monuments. like the house at the gallery.
Be sure to visit the Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church with its imposing altarpiece or the Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Conseil house. There are also some vestiges of the old urban fortifications, and it is possible to admire the old castle of the city.
Like many towns in the valley of the Thouet, Saint-Loup-Lamairé is crossed by the hiking trail GR36 which allows to admire the most beautiful landscapes of the locality.
The market is held every Sunday morning.
Every year in June, the city organizes its festival of painting and sculpture with two days of festivities, including a competition and exhibitions.
For the national holiday, on July 14, Saint-Loup-Lamairé organizes a day of celebration with a large hike in the vicinity.
At the end of the year, the city also offers a Christmas market.
Regards sur la Bretagne, la mer, à la Micro Folie Vallée du Thouet
- From 2 july to 31 august 2025
- 32 Rue de la Grille
- Micro-Folie Vallée du Thouet is an innovative cultural space offering a digital museum, art workshops and Fablab activities. This summer, Micro-Folie takes you on a journey to Brittany with its "Regards sur la Bretagne, la mer" program, free and open to all. On the program : art workshops, screening of the animated series Samuel with ARTE, virtual treasure hunt, in the collection freely visible during opening hours : 2pm to 5pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays to Saturdays 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm. Numerous events are being organized this summer on the theme of Brittany and the Sea, and you can find the full program in the images. Meet at the Micro-Folie at 32 rue de la Grille, Saint-Loup-Lamairé. Registration on 05 86 30 10 61 or micro-folie@saint-loup-lamaire.fr. Free admission.
Visite Guidée de Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet
- On 15 july 2025
- Every Tuesday at 10:30 am during the summer season, a guided tour of the Petite Cité de Caractère is offered. The tours take you back in time to the village of Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Discover the church, timber-framed houses, castle and riverbanks on a pleasant stroll through the village. The tour is organized by the Pays d ? art et d ? histoire de Parthenay-Gâtine. Information : 05 49 94 90 63 / pah@cc-parthenay-gatine.fr
Location de Canoës, Rosalies et Pédalos
- On 15 july 2025
- Place des Poulies
- Weekends in June. - Every day (except Monday) in July and August - From 3 pm to 7 pm. Reservations recommended : 05 49 64 82 45 / 05 49 70 84 03. - Until the end of September, discover the kayak and paddles service at Saint-Loup-Lamairé. - Reservations can be made online via the dedicated website. Every day from May to September at the same location, in one of our cubicles. https://www.kayakomat.com/fr/location/67eb9bf4ac282685be6c08d5
Regards sur la Bretagne, la mer, à la Micro Folie Vallée du Thouet
- From 16 july to 31 august 2025
- 32 Rue de la Grille
- Micro-Folie Vallée du Thouet is an innovative cultural space offering a digital museum, art workshops and Fablab activities. This summer, the Micro-Folie takes you on a journey to Brittany through its program Regards sur la Bretagne, la mer, free and open to all, in July and August 2025. - On the program : - Plastic arts workshops. - Screening of animated series Samuel with ARTE. - Virtual treasure hunt in the collection Open during opening hours : 2pm to 5pm on Wednesdays and Fridays and 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm on Saturdays. Numerous events will be held this summer on the theme of Brittany and the Sea, see the full program in the images. Meet at the Micro-Folie, 32 rue de la Grille, Saint-Loup-Lamairé. Registration on 05 86 30 10 61 or micro-folie@saint-loup-lamaire.fr. Free admission.
Blinkbook - Coloriage Animé à La Micro-Folie
- On 19 july 2025
- 32 Rue de la Grille
- The Thouet Valley Micro-Folie is an innovative cultural space offering a digital museum, art workshops and Fablab activities. On Saturday, July 19, you can color your drawings and bring them to life with your voice, based on works by Van Gogh, Monet or Toulouse-Lautrec. You'll go home with your very own cartoon ! For ages 7 and up, please register. Free admission. Numerous activities are offered in July and August on the theme of Brittany and the Sea, see the full program in the images. Meet at the Micro-Folie, 32 rue de la Grille, Saint-Loup-Lamairé. Registration on 05 86 30 10 61 or micro-folie@saint-loup-lamaire.fr.
Course de Caisses à Savon
- On 20 july 2025
- Rue de la Grille
- Tinkered cars, motivated drivers and a good dose of good humor. Fun and laughter guaranteed at the starting line and in the bumps ! - Catering and refreshments on site. - The Gardon association and Loup'arts are organizing this race from 9 a.m. onwards, in rue de la Grille, Saint-Loup-Lamairé. Pre-registration : 10 ? per box : https://www.helloasso.com/associations/le-gardon-de-st-loup/evenements/course-de-caisse-a-savon
Lectures au Jardin
- On 22 july 2025
- Jardin de Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet
- The Centre Socio Culturel's Relais Petite Enfance regularly organizes events for families. This Tuesday, July 22, Carine from the mediatheque will be reading in the Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet garden, from 10 to 11:30 am. Registration required. You'll find the full July program in the pictures. Information and reservations : 05 49 63 08 87 / 07 88 54 37 13.
Marché de Producteurs de Pays et Soirée du Patrimoine de Gâtine
- On 22 july 2025
- An evening organized in partnership with the Deux-Sèvres Chamber of Agriculture and the commune. An evening to celebrate the heritage of the Gâtine region, with its history, know-how and delicious local produce ! Take advantage of the farmers' market to taste, exchange ideas and treat yourself in a convivial atmosphere (bring your asians and cutlery), from 6pm in the center of Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet. The Gâtine evening will feature the music group Total Hip Replacement & Anyankofo. Refreshments and catering on site.
Location de Canoës, Rosalies et Pédalos
- On 22 july 2025
- Place des Poulies
- Canoes, pedalos and rosalies for hire from 3 pm to 7 pm, Tuesday to Sunday, July and August. Reservations recommended in advance, at the Tourist Office in Airvault or Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet : 05 49 64 82 45 / 05 49 70 84 03 / tourisme-avt@cc-avt.fr. * - Until the end of September, discover the kayak and paddles service at Saint-Loup-Lamairé. You can book online via the dedicated website. Every day from May to September at the same location, in one of the following cubicles : https://www.kayakomat.com/fr/location/67eb9bf4ac282685be6c08d5
Visite Guidée de Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet
- On 22 july 2025
- Every Tuesday at 10.30am, a guided tour of the Petite Cité de Caractère is offered. The tours take you back in time to the village of Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Discover the church, timber-framed houses, castle and riverbanks on a pleasant stroll through the village. The tour is organized by the Pays d ? art et d ? histoire de Parthenay-Gâtine. Meet at 10.30 a.m. at the Tourist Office, 3 rue Gauthier Chabot, Saint-Loup. Information : 05 49 94 90 63 / pah@cc-parthenay-gatine.fr