The small town of La Roche-Posay is on the Creuse river in the scenic countryside of the Vienne department (Poitou-Charentes region of western France) and about 20 kilometres east of Châtellerault. It is an attractive town, and a popular tourist destination.
Exploring La Roche-Posay
You might recognise the name of the town because of the well known brand of beauty products with the same name and founded in the town nearly 100 years ago. Now owned by the L'Oreal group, the products of La Roche-Posay are famous in almost all countries in the world.
Start your visit on the stone bridge across the Creuse river in the heart of the town.
In the centre of La Roche-Posay there are several historical monuments of interest, including the fortified roman style church, dating from the 11th century. The belltower is the only part of the original structure that still remains, while the medieval defensive structure added in the 15th century can best be seen on the north side of the church.
Other parts of the medieval defences that can be seen in La Roche-Posay include a sturdy castle keep that was built in the 12th century and stands 25 metres high (closed to the public) and an imposing stone gateway that originally controlled access to the town: this is is a very substantial stone entrance with towers either side and a raised balcony above the gateway between them called the Porte Bourbon (the only one remaining of the three entrances that the medieval town had).
You can also see several medieval houses here in the town centre, including a colombage house.
Spa town and leisure activities
It is partly because of its reputation as a spa town, a reputation it has held for more than 350 years, that La Roche-Posay attracts visitors, with more than one spa thermal treatment centre to choose from. Note that even if you are not here for spa treatment the extensive gardens of the Parc Thermal are open to the public and are well worth exploring, with several interesting water features and planting arrangements to admire.
To cater for visitors, La Roche-Posay also has a racetrack, an 18 hole golf-course and a casino, which is quite unusual in France away from coastal resorts. You will also find tennis courts here, the possibility to swim in the Creuse river, and a good number of marked trails in the surrounding region.
Attractions nearby
The very pretty village of Angles sur l'Anglin is just 11 kilometres to the south-east of La Roche-Posay. Angles sur l'Anglin is listed among the most beautiful villages in France and a visit is recommended.
You can find more travel ideas in the Vienne guide and the Poitou-Charentes guide.
Arrange a visit to La Roche-Posay
Hotels in La Roche-Posay
Booking.com: best prices
For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com
Map of La Roche-Posay and places nearby
Visit near La Roche-Posay with France This Way reviews
Angles-sur-l'Anglin
The pretty village of Angles sur l'Anglin and the river setting make this one of our favourite Vienne villages
Angles-sur-l'Anglin guide
Chatellerault
The quiet regional town of Chatellerault has some notable 18th century townhouses
Chatellerault guide
Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe
The highlight here is of course the Abbey of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe, certainly the best example of roman style architecture anywhere in Poitou-Charentes
Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe guide
Chauvigny
We especially enjoyed exploring the castles along the hilltop when visiting Chauvigny
Chauvigny guide
Brenne Regional Natural Park
This quiet region of small lakes and fields is a perfect place for cycling on peaceful lanes
Brenne Regional Natural Park guide
... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Vienne
Address: Roche-Posay, Pleumartin, Châtellerault, Poitou-Charentes, 86270, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.78589, longitude 0.812006
Plan your visit to La Roche-Posay, Vienne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Angles-sur-l'Anglin: most beautiful village (11 km)
- Abbaye de Saint Savin sur Gartempe (Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe): religious monument (25 km)
- Touffou: remarkable garden (25 km)
- Eglise de Saint Pierre (Chauvigny): religious monument (27 km)
- Chauvigny: recommended detour (27 km)
- Brenne: regional natural parc (34 km)
- Etangs de la Brenne: site of natural beauty (34 km)
- Futuroscope: theme park (36 km)
- Loches: recommended detour (39 km)
- Eglise de Saint Gervais et Saint Protais (Civaux): religious monument (40 km)
- Eglise de Notre-Dame (Montmorillon): religious monument (40 km)
- Montmorillon: town of art and history (40 km)
Market days in La Roche-Posay, France
Regular market(s) are held in La Roche-Posay each Tuesday & Friday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at La Roche-Posay (Francais)