Niort is a large town situated on the Sèvre river about half way between Poitiers and La Rochelle in the Poitou-Charentes region of western France.
Exploring Niort
Niort has an interesting historical centre, with houses dating from the medieval and renaissance eras and also several monuments of interest to discover, as well as a substantial amount of more recent development - it is an important centre for local business and finance in this region of France.
The old and new parts of central Niort are separated by the large Place de la Breche. It is the historical centre that is of interest to visitors. Start your visit perhaps with a stroll across the bridge in the centre of Niort, which gives nice views across the town and the church as well as the donjon.
The Donjon, on the river banks in Niort, is a major part of a medieval castle and the most important monument in Niort that dominates the town centre. In part the donjon dates from the 12th century, when it was built in the roman style by Henry II (Henry Plantagenet) and Richard the Lionheart, and is one of the largest castles from this period that remains in France.
The building includes two adjacent donjons separated by a logis: the two donjons are similar in design but one is a few metres taller than the other, both have round towers in each corner. The views across Niort from the donjon terraces are a highlight of a visit, and there is also a Museum of Ethnology and Archaeology to visit in the building.
On an island in the river just across from the donjon you can see Fort Foucault, the tower of which is the remains of a 12th century castle.
The Pilori is an interesting renaissance style building dating from the 14th century that was once the town hall for Niort. The building takes its name from the pillory that previously stood here. The whole building, in particular around the doors and windows, features decorative stonework. The pilori is now used as an exhibition center for local artists.
There are several churches in Niort of which the most important is the Church of Notre-Dame, built in the gothic style in the 14th-16th centuries. The tall spire of the church makes it the tallest building in the Deux-Sevres department.
Also in Niort you will see the Church of Saint-André, a 19th century rebuilding of a medieval church that originally stood here and clearly identified by its two tall symmetrical spires; the small Church of Saint-Florent (roman style, 11th century) which has some unusual engravings inset in the church walls; and the Church of Saint-Etienne (19th century, built in neo-gothic style).
The Town hall in Niort is an imposing neo-renaissance style building with a large central campanile built at the end of the 19th century.
The 19th century market hall, a large structure built in the glass and steel design that was popular at the time (1869). It is one of the most impressive market halls of this type in France, and the market itself has a very extensive range of fresh produce available. Markets are held here every day except Monday with those on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday being the largest.
Elsewhere as you explore Niort old town you will see several half-timbered houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. The Maison de la Vierge is particularly interesting because it has a statue of the Virgin and child in one corner.
Next to te Niort Tourist Office on Rue Brisson you will enjoy exploring the many arts and craft shops along the Quai des Arts. If you are looking for presents to take away with you this is the place to find them!
Photos of Niort by chtiogabz are copyright.
Attractions nearby
The footpath along the banks of the Sèvre river in the town centre and towards the Marais Poitevin is a popular place for walking, jogging and fishing.
Niort is a popular base for exploring the unusual canals and marsh landscapes of the Marais Poitevin.
You can find more travel ideas in the Poitou-Charentes guide.
Arrange a visit to Niort
Hotels in Niort
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Map of Niort and places nearby
Visit near Niort with France This Way reviews
Coulon
Established since 2000 years agio, Coulon is now a centre for exploring the Marais-Poitevin marshes
Coulon guide
Marais Poitevin
The Marais-Poitevin is a region of canals and marshes, an unusual environment best explored by boat
Marais Poitevin guide
Chateau de Cherveux
The Chateau de Cherveux, one of the best preserved 15th century castles in the region, is close to Niort
Chateau de Cherveux guide
Nieul-sur-l'Autise
Highlights in Nieul-sur-l'Autise include the Abbey of Saint-Vincent and a traditional watermill
Nieul-sur-l'Autise guide
Maillezais abbey
The ruins of the Maillezais abbey are on the edge of the marshes of the Marais Poitevin
Maillezais abbey guide
Melle Church of Saint-Hilaire
The church of Saint-Hilare in Melle is a very impressive example of 12th century architecture
Melle Church of Saint-Hilaire guideAddress: Niort, Poitou-Charentes, 79000, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.325833, longitude -0.460556
Plan your visit to Niort, Deux-Sevres
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Coulon: most beautiful village (9 km)
- Eglise de Saint-Eulalie (Benet): religious monument (12 km)
- Marais Poitevin: grand site of france (16 km)
- Abbaye Royale (Nieul-sur-l'Autise): religious monument (20 km)
- Zoodyssée: zoo or wildlife park (21 km)
- Abbaye Saint Pierre et Eglise de Saint Nicolas (Maillezais): religious monument (22 km)
- Eglise de Notre-Dame de l'Assomption (Maille): religious monument (25 km)
- Melle église St Hilaire (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (27 km)
- Arboretum du chemin de la découverte: remarkable garden (27 km)
- Forêt de Benon: site of natural beauty (28 km)
- Baie de l'Aiguillon: site of natural beauty (28 km)
- Eglise de Saint-Pierre (Dampierre-sur-Boutonne): religious monument (29 km)
Market days in Niort, France
Regular market(s) are held in Niort each Thursday all day & Saturday all day. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Niort (Francais)