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France > France regions > Poitou-Charentes > Deux-Sevres > Parthenay

Parthenay

Parthenay is west of Poitiers, in the Deux-Sèvres department of Poitou-Charentes.

Parthenay is perhaps not the most exciting town in France, but it has an attractive medieval centre that you will enjoy exploring for an hour or two. Unfortunately, although it mas a major city in the 13th century, there is little that remains from that time and the inevitable castle has all but disappeared from sight.

Apart from some attractive colombage houses, there are a few other interesting things to discover as you travel around the town, including:

- the fortified gateway 'Porte de l'Horloge';

- the church of Sainte-Croix;

- the door for the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Couldre (nothing else remains of the chapel!)

- the Pont St-Jacques, a 13th century bridge.

700 years ago Parthenay was a major stopping point for pilgrims en-route for Compostella - hence you will come across road names such as 'Pont St-Jacques', 'vaux St-Jacques' and 'St-Jacques gully' when you visit the town.

Parthenay: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

Parthenay, Poitou-Charentes
Photo by Les Grands and copyright

Plan a visit to Parthenay, France

 

Map of Parthenay, France

 

Places to visit - Parthenay

Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)

 

Information and photos

This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Parthenay when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.