Developed around its fortified castleThe city of Pouzauges in Vendée Bocage has crossed the ages, retaining from each of them elements which have forged its identity.
With its houses staggered on the hillside at the foot of the castle, its streets arranged according to the layout of the fortified enclosures, the town has retained a medieval character. However, since 1887, Pouzauges was the first electrified city in the west of France, and it shone on the surrounding countryside thanks to the effervescence of its fairs.
Pouzauges, a Small Town of Character in Vendée
Pouzauges: its history
Built on a rocky promontory, the city developed into fortified terraces at the foot of its castle. From this period, it retains winding streets and emblematic monuments: the castle, the Saint-Jacques church in the city center, and the chaplaincy located in the lower part of the city.
The driving center of a rural area, Pouzauges experienced new hours of glory at the turn of the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries. The first electrified city in the west of France, its lively cattle markets made it famous even in the capital. The typical plots of the bocage landscape and the hamlets which constitute the immediate environment of Pouzauges bear witness to this close relationship between the town and the countryside. In the heart of the city today, narrow, flowery streets, typical stone, brick and tile facades and refreshing green spaces coexist. Thus, Pouzauges offers a setting conducive to the discovery of heritage and culture, but also privileged contact with nature.
Not to be missed outside the town:
The Notre-Dame du Vieux-Pouzauges church and its XNUMXth century Romanesque paintings, as well as the twin windmills of Terrier-Marteau, which have retained their operating mechanism and still produce flour.
Pouzauges Castle, heart of town
The seigniory of Pouzauges was organized from the XNUMXth century, leading to the development of the town. The stone keep is built around the year one thousand, making it one of the oldest towers in the region.
In the XNUMXth century, the keep had its most emblematic resident: Catherine de Thouars, famous in spite of herself thanks to her unfortunate marriage to Gilles de Rais. This brilliant soldier distinguished himself by fighting alongside Joan of Arc, then he committed numerous atrocities to reconstitute his squandered fortune... It was Catherine de Thouars who initiated the modifications aimed at improving the comfort of the castle.
The Tourist Office offers tours of the city and its castle in season, and all year round by reservation for groups.
The Romanesque church of Vieux Pouzauges
The Romanesque church of Notre-Dame du Vieux-Pouzauges has preserved a set of wall paintings dating from the end of the XNUMXth century, executed in a refined style and carrying a complex message. Free visits every day from 9 a.m. to 19 p.m. and all year round by reservation for groups.
The Mills of the Hammer Terrier
On the hills of Pouzauges, in a site with a remarkable panorama, two windmills dating from the 18th and 19th centuries rub shoulders. After 15 years of slumber, their majestic wings veer again over the heights of the city. Crushed wheat becomes flour, some days the baker transforms it into bread and then bakes it in a wood-fired oven. Enjoy a walk in the animal park (chickens, rabbits, pheasants, fallow deer, turkeys, goats, etc.) with the added bonus of an unobstructed view of the mills.
On-site sale of bread, pastries, brioche, flour and drinks.
Possibility of guided tour inside the mills for groups only. By reservation at the Tourist Office.
Several possibilities to visit Pouzauges
The heart of Pouzauges is criss-crossed by small picturesque alleys, the venelles. Connecting different streets or squares by passages between the houses, they allow an unusual discovery of the town and its landscapes. Pouzauges is located just 15 minutes from the Herbaria, take the time to come and discover it!
Guided tours by the Tourist Office
The authentic visit, to discover Pouzauges from the Middle Ages to the present day: its strategic position, its history and its development over time. Take advantage of a guided and commented tour to appreciate its heritage and enter the heart of the keep, emblem of the city.
The Night getaways, the sometimes narrow winding alleys are one of the particularities of this city, discover the secret corners and the characters who have marked the history of these places by the light of the lanterns.
A map of the village with character
Available at the Tourist Office, this map allows you to discover Pouzauges through its main monuments and its alleys.
The mosaics of Pouzauges
Mosaic artist Sophie Ribaud has created numerous mosaics to adorn the alleyways of the labyrinthine city. Each alleyway is unique, and the associated mosaic reveals its name and meaning.
Did you know?
Here is the example of Rue de Tournis. Tournis is a neurological condition that affects sheep.
It was via Rue de Tournis that one could once reach the sheep market square from the castle.
An alleyway with an unexpected name to discover while strolling through the Petite Cité de Caractère.
The investigation game box in Pouzauges
Pouzauges, nature side, green station
Pouzauges is a Green Station ! This trademark, still confidential in our region, since there are only 3 in Vendée, is awarded to small towns that meet quality criteria for welcoming visitors to the countryside. Be Green Station this means that we are a small town where the vacationer is welcomed in a friendly atmosphere with quality equipment. There is a wide choice ofaccommodation solutions, services and shops, animations, tourist facilities to facilitate the reception of visitors and most often a bathing place.
Hiking trails in Pouzauges
The tourist office shop
Looking for a souvenir from Vendée after your vacation, or from a gift idea ? Step through the door of the Pouzauges tourist office and discover a shop full of great ideas: local products, regional produce, arts and crafts, souvenirs, posters and postcards.. A 100% local store, where you'll find what you're looking for!
Practical information – Pouzauges
What to visit in Pouzauges?
Where to eat in Pouzauges?
What are we doing this weekend in Pouzauges?
Where to sleep in Pouzauges?
