The feudal castle of Sigournais is one of the best examples of medieval military architecture in the Vendée.
Modified in the XNUMXth century on the basis of a castle built around the year one thousand, its military attributes are admirably well preserved: dry moats, polygonal enclosure, walkway entirely covered on machicolation...
Discover the Château de Sigournais
The dungeon
Built on three levels, this dungeon is unique in the Vendée, with its framework, its covered walkway on machicolations and its typical loopholes. Two drawbridges gave access to the castle which was partly destroyed by fire during the War of Vendée in 1973.
Exhibitions
Upstairs, the walls are adorned with an important collection of coats of arms of the provinces, departments and chief towns of France, as well as of European provinces and capitals. Access to the furnished rooms is via a beautiful XNUMXth century staircase. In the rooms are reconstructed scenes of medieval life: furniture from the parents' bedroom, armor, etc.
In the outbuildings, several exhibitions allow you to go further into the history of the castle and medieval times:
- The castle restoration campaigns from 1962 to 2009
- The vine and wine in the Middle Ages
- Three centuries of Franco-English rivalry in the West
Entertainment
- A challenge booklet is given to young people aged 7 to 11
- Wooden games are available in the castle courtyard
- Fun guided tours
- Strolling show “La vie de Château”
- Heraldic workshop (coat of arms)
| Prices | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Individual rate adult |
7 € | 10 € |
| Individual rate adult |
10 € | 16 € |
| Individual rate child |
6 € | 10 € |
| Family formula |
28 € | 44 € |
| Individual rate child |
4 € | 6 € |
| Family formula |
NC | 28 € |
| Adult group rate |
6 € | 7 € |
The town of Sigournais
Extend your visit to Sigournais with the route “The historic town of Sigournais” or by the “tour of the vine huts”.
Sigournais owes its origin (or at least the development of its town) to a Benedictine priory. It was associated with a feudal lordship, vassal of the viscounty of Thouars. Becoming a barony in the XNUMXth century, this lordship was united with those of Puybelliard and Chantonnay. They formed a group, under the tutelage of Thouars, which lasted until the revolution.
The town was rebuilt during the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, where many businesses and craftsmen were established there.
source: A.GR.A.P
The commercial life of the town
Along this circuit, you can discover: The church and its painted wooden altarpiece (this building is not always open) as well as the fountain and its washhouse which supply the private gardens below through an ingenious irrigation system . Then, admire the old shops and old houses (7 cafés formerly in Sigournais). Finally, marvel at the feudal castle. This 1km walk continues with the discovery of the villages of Chassais and Le Requerre. The start is located at Place Robert de Lespinay, where the last public scale in the canton is still in place.
Hiking ideas in Sigournais
The vineyard in Sigournais
The circuit of vineyard huts (6 km) allows you to discover the old wine-growing past of Sigournais. From 1156, vines exist. In the XNUMXth century, white wine said "The crazy girl" is famous in the region. The winegrowers remove the pebbles from the hillsides of the vines and use them to delimit the fiefs. They build cabins called “vineyard huts”, used to protect against rain. They sometimes have several vaulted rooms. The vines are still numerous in Sigournais, a few operators are still harvesting their wine.
Rochereau lake
3km from the town, this lake is the largest drinking water reserve in the Grand Lay Valley (125 ha) with the drinking water supply plant located on the site of Rochereau (Bazoges en Pareds side). There Morlière leisure area is equipped with a playground for children, a zip line and an accessible path. There is also a restaurant bar with a terrace offering a magnificent view of the lake. Start of footpaths.
Where to eat in Sigournais?
For your lunch, you have the choice between two restaurants. The La Morlière restaurant offers a panoramic view of Lake Rochereau. The Ty Kaz Kréol restaurant is located in the heart of the town of Sigournais. You can also picnic in one of the picnic areas in Sigournais.
