Parthenay is a town in the Deux-Sèvres, in the Aquitaine region, 50 km north-east of Niort.
The city is considered the capital of the natural and historical region of Gâtine, which makes up the central third of the department, between the Vendée in the west and the region of Poitiers in the east.
The locality whose territory is vast of 11 km ² developed on a spur dominating a loop of the course of Thouet. Step on the pilgrimage path to Saint-Jacques, it is strengthened by its lords who combine with the opportunities with the Counts of Anjou or Poitiers and change alliances during the Hundred Years War.
Affected by the wars of religion, Parthenay then found some prosperity thanks to its famous livestock fair, then in the nineteenth century the establishment of textile units and then its food industry.
Now with almost 11,000 inhabitants, Parthenay and its surroundings are labeled Country of Art and History, thanks to a heritage preserved and highlighted. But the city is also appreciated for its green environment and cultural vitality.
Long nicknamed "the small Carcassonne of the West", Parthenay offers visitors a wide range of heritage buildings (citadel, castle, ramparts, churches and number of old houses with timber sides) justifying long walks in this city too rich than picturesque.
Among the must-sees, the old seigniorial castle built in the eleventh century, of triangular shape, and which remain the defensive elements in granite. The lodgings are gone.
From the medieval wall, which was marked with 30 towers, were preserved several testimonies.
On the religious level, the church of St. Peter "Parthenay le Vieux", slightly eccentric, Romanesque style, dates from the eleventh century and we appreciate its rich ornamentation outside (sculptures). The Notre-Dame de la Coultre church, former chapel of the castle, dismantled by the wars of religion and during the Revolution, remains a remarkable Romanesque portal where sculptures evoke "the announcement to Zachariah of the birth of Saint John the Baptist "," the Annunciation to Mary "or representing" the Christ surrounded by angels and the six old men of the Apocalypse ". Note that some bas-reliefs are preserved at the Louvre Museum in Paris. We will still include in a circuit the Sainte-Croix church, former collegiate church of the castle, built in the twelfth century. It has undergone many modifications and restorations over the centuries and its portal has been razed.
On the civil level, to see also, the door of the Citadel (or clock tower) with its two almond towers (XIII), surmounted by a belfry built in the fifteenth century, and had a guard room overlooking the rampart walkway. As for the gate of the Citadel, it is the link between the city and the fortified wall, from which one enjoys a view of the picturesque district of Saint-Paul.
Other sites or buildings of this "small Carcassonne": the Bastille of Richemont (XVth century) built to reinforce the castle because of the progress of the artillery, and the turns of Powder and Harcourt (XIII) are still worth look.
Guided tours of the entire historic heart are proposed by the Tourist Office (information on +33 5 49 64 24 24).
As for the Interpretation Center for Architecture and Heritage, it offers exhibitions, a documentary center and a teaching area. Information on +33 5 49 94 92 31.
A visit to the city museum provides a better understanding of the history of this ancient city through collections of archaeological objects, ancient documents, models and, in another tradition, a splendid collection dedicated to knowledge -make local in terms of earthenware. Open all year from Wednesday to Sunday. Closed during Christmas holidays. Free entry. Information on +33 (0) 5 49 94 90 27. The museum is housed in the House of Cultures de Pays, at the foot of the emblematic Porte Saint-Jacques, where there is also a space dedicated to live shows. Information on +33 5 49 64 85 10.
In terms of culture, the Cordeliers Chapel (Gothic style, dating back to the 13th century), is now dedicated to hosting artistic exhibitions from the end of March to the end of October. Contact at +33 5 49 64 85 10. And lastly, there is the Archipelago hall, which was built in what was the tribunal under the Revolution, and which includes a studio and spaces dedicated to singing and dancing, and the Diff'Art hall devoted to contemporary music and a program of numerous concerts. throughout the year (jazz, rock...). Information on +33 5 49 64 85 10.
After these sites dedicated to heritage and culture, place the many parks and gardens of the city.
Starting with the leisure center adjacent to the campsite, bordering the Thouet, vast 7 hectares for walking and relaxation. There is also a sports course, picnic tables and playgrounds.
In the center, the Férolle garden was laid out in the medieval spirit of yesteryear. Are gathered an orchard, a "terrace of simple" dedicated to medicinal plants, around a fountain, a lawn and flowered area, the "meadow", and a kitchen garden.
Decidedly rich in the matter, Parthenay still has the garden of the Avenue General de Gaulle, the park of Loges (classified site), which includes a course around a pond lined with trees, the Prée, space natural green, from which one enjoys an exceptional view on the ramparts and the castle, and finally the space Chico Mendès, which are all pleasant places to walk.
For larger hikes, other routes and circuits are marked from the city or crossing, such as the greenway on an old railway or the GR36 (which connects the Channel to the Mediterranean via the Deux-Sèvres). Maps and information on +33 5 49 64 24 24.
In terms of sports and recreation, the city has a bowling alley (contact +33 5 49 65 07 70), a 4-hectare motocross ground accessible to visitors and tourists, a skate park and finally an aquatic center that combines swimming, games and relaxation (25 m pool, beaches and solariums, giant slide, beach volleyball...). Price: 3.10 and 4.30 euros. Information on +33 5 49 71 08 90.
- Every Wednesday morning, under the market, the market maintains the merchant tradition of the city and is an opportunity to enjoy the rich soil of Gâtinais.
- In May, the festival "Ah en la rue" offers theater, puppet shows, concerts and circus arts.
- In June, the international fun festival brings together thousands of young people and adults for games mainly organized in the open air.
- In July and August, the festival De Bouche à Oreille organizes concerts, animations and workshops.
- End of August, crafts market in the medieval district.
Le Corps : Esquisse, Croquis, Dessin - Exposition de Gérard Écault
- From 20 august to 21 september 2024
- 6 Place Georges Picard, Médiathèque
- Exhibition on view during library opening hours from August 20 to September 21. - The artist will be on hand for guided tours on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, from 2pm to 5pm.
Loto du Club Athlétique Parthenaisien
- On 14 september 2024
- 28 Rue du Président Salvador Allende, Domaine des loges
- Come and take part in the Club Athlétique Parthenaisien bingo organized by Danielle. 2660 ? Of prizes to be won ! - Come and take part in the Club Athlétique Parthenaisien bingo organized by Danielle. - 2,660 ? Prizes to be won ! - -1000 ? Gift card - -200 ? Gift card - -2 Gift cards of 100 ? - -8 Gift cards of 50 ? - Participation : - 2 ? per box, 10 ? per 6 and 15 ? per 10
Portes Ouvertes du Club de Tir Sportif Parthenaisien
- On 14 september 2024
- Stand de tir sportif la Chauvelière
- Open house for the Parthenais shooting club. - Open to children aged 8 and over, teenagers and adult men and women. - Try your hand at sports or leisure shooting at 10 m, 25 m, 50 m with rifles, pistols or crossbows. Different calibers available.
Les Jacqu'Arts 2024
- From 14 to 22 september 2024
- Divers lieux dans le quartier historique, Rue de la Vau Saint Jacques
- The Collectif du Quartier Médiéval association invites you to Jacqu ? Arts, where you can admire the works of some 50 artists in 24 locations : private homes, the Museum, Maison des Associations, Maison Moque-Souris, Logis Férolle, Férolle gardens, Chapelle des Cordeliers, Maison du Patrimoine-CIAP, Maison-Dieu in Châtillon-sur-Thouet, the Antidote bookshop and shops in the town center. - A wide range of artistic expression : painting, sculpture, photography, installations, ceramics, mosaics, body art ? - Guest of honor : SLIMANE, painter, at the Chapelle des Cordeliers. - Carte blanche to Jean DELETRE, painter, at the museum. He will invite Léo VANDERLICK, sculptor, and sign his book "Lignes d'horizons"
Parth'Athlon, un Événement Parthenay - Cité des Jeux
- From 14 to 15 september 2024
- Esplanade Georges Pompidou, Place du Drapeau
- The Cité des Jeux in Parthenay invites you to its autumn event : the Parth ? Athlon on September 14 and 15. All weekend long, with friends, family or on your own, take part in fun events on the Georges-Pompidou esplanade in front of the Palais des Congrès.
Championnat du Monde de la Lose 2024
- On 15 september 2024
- 22 Boulevard de la Meilleraye, Palais des Congrès
- Have you lost all your Molky and Cornhole games during the Parth'athlon ? - This championship is for you ! Come and test your bad luck to become the next Lose world champion. - Registration required : - until Friday, September 13 : online registration. - Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 : on-site registration at the Palais des Congrès. - Minimum age : 10 years
Les p'Tites Histoires
- On 18 september 2024
- 6 Place Georges Picard, Médiathèque de Parthenay
- An opportunity to listen to stories selected by librarians and discover authors, illustrators and new books ! - From 4pm to 4:30pm at the Parthenay multimedia library ; ages 3 to 7, accompanied by an adult.
"De l’Image Finale au Croquis", Atelier de Gérard Écault
- On 21 september 2024
- 6 Place Georges Picard, Médiathèque
- While the sketch usually precedes the "final" image, the artist proposes the opposite exercise ! Bring a drawing or photo you like, and leave with a sketch from the original / Materials supplied - Parthenay Media Library - Saturday, September 21,2pm to 5pm - Adults / Registration required ? Number of places limited.
Soirée d'Ouverture de la 23e Saison Ah ?
- On 21 september 2024
- 22 Boulevard de la Meilleraye
- Admission : 10 and 8 ? (includes both evening shows) - 7:30pm : box office access, gourmet bar and membership available - 8pm : presentation of Ah ? 24/25 season shows, with guests and videos of each show - 8:45pm : CONNEXIO - Canine choreography and juggling ! Vladimir Couprie, diabolist extraordinaire, has a wolf-friend for an accomplice : Alba. Together, they revisit the traditional circus discipline of dressage through the prism of circus creation. - 9:45pm : nicolas moro in concert - A hymn to letting go ! When you go to see a show, you choose beforehand. Whether it's a musical, a song, a fine piece of writing, a laugh or an emotion… - A season opener under the sign of CONVIVIALITY ! - Mange-debout and small tables will be at your disposal.
Journées Européennes du Patrimoine au Musée de Parthenay
- From 21 to 22 september 2024
- 1 Rue de la Vau Saint-Jacques, musée d'art et d'histoire de parthenay
- The program for this year's European Heritage Days at the Musée de Parthenay : - Exhibitions : - The temporary exhibition "Il va y avoir du sport - Histoire (s) locale (s)" (There's going to be sport - Local history (s)) illustrating over 100 years of local sport through jerseys, balls, … - Works by painter Jean Delêtre and sculptor Léo Vanderlick, blended with our permanent collections as part of the Jacqu'arts festival. Jean Delêtre will be signing his latest book throughout the weekend. - Games : - On the occasion of the temporary exhibition "Il va y avoir du sport - Histoire (s) locale (s)", the mediation team is offering to run two games from the Art & Sport kit published by the RMN- Grand Palais and the Musée National du Sport. - The two games are offered simultaneously at 2.30pm and 4.30pm. - Free animations on reservation.
