The town of Thouars is to the north of the Poitou-Charentes region, and south-east from Saumur, in the Deux-Sèvres department.
Explore Thouars
From its dominant position on a hill, the attractive medieval town hides behind a substantial 17th century chateau, poised on the edge of a cliff and overlooking the river below.
Castle of the Dukes of Trémoille
Much the most visible monument in Thouars, this 17th century chateau was constructed on the site of an earlier defensive castle. After playing a role as a castle then a prison, the main building is now home to a college in the town. The associated stables hold an art school.
In addition to the main castle and stables you can also see a chapel, the castle orangery and an interior courtyard.
Other Thouars monuments
Start your exploration of the medieval centre of Thouars in Place Saint-Médard and surrounding streets, then head perhaps for the area around the attractive Hotel Tyndo. The medieval town has some attractive medieval colombage houses dating from the 16th century, and several other noteworthy buildings.
Other highlights to discover as you explore the centre of Thouars include the 12th century ramparts, including two towers (the Tour du Prince de Galles and the Tour Porte au Prévost), the medieval bridge across the river (the Pont des Chouans) leading to the Porte Maillot entrance through the ramparts, some impressive grand houses of the 15th century (including Hotel Tyndo and the Hotel des Trois Rois) and the Town Hall.
One particularly notable religious monument is the Chapel Joan of Arc, an attractive chapel with an oversized 'rose' window above the entrance that is now used for art exhibitions. pay particular attenion to the carving above the entrance.
The other important religious monuments in Thouars are the Church of Saint-Médard church (note particularly the western facade and the roman style entrance) and the Church of Saint-Laon, dominated by its sturdy belltower
Other attractions in Thouars
- the 'Regional Centre for Resistance and Liberty' is dedicated to telling the story of the resistance movement in the region during the Second World War (situated in the castle stables).
- the wrought iron bridge across the river, built in 1950 to replace an earlier bridge destroyed in the war (built to exactly the same design as the original)
To visit nearby
At Oiron, to the east of Thouars, you can admire the renaissance style castle and a collegiale church.
The most popular attractions in the region are to the north of Thouars, along the Loire Valley, and include the village of Candes-Saint-Martin, the towns and castles at Chinon and Saumur and the abbey at Fontevraud.
You can find more travel ideas in the Poitou-Charentes guide.
Photos of Thouars
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Map of Thouars and places nearby
Visit near Thouars with France This Way reviews
Chateau de Montreuil-Bellay
The Château de Montreuil-Bellay is an impressive 15th century castle surrouned by medieval ramparts and furnished n period style
Chateau de Montreuil-Bellay guide
Moncontour, Vienne
As well as the castle in Moncontour, you will also enjoy the town's leisure lake
Moncontour, Vienne guide
Fontevraud Abbey
The Fontevraud Abbey has a great deal to see: it is one of the largest abbey complexes in France and most visited abbeys in France
Fontevraud Abbey guide
Aubigne-sur-Layon
The small village of Aubigne-sur-Layon is very pretty, especially in late spring and summer when the many flowers in the town are in bloom
Aubigne-sur-Layon guide
Chateau de Saumur
The Chateau de Saumur stands in an impressive location with views across the Loire river
Chateau de Saumur guide
Saumur
The town of Saumur, in the shadow of the famous castle, is a lovely historic town along the banks of the Loire River
Saumur guideTourist classifications for Thouars
Thouars has received the following tourist classifications: listed town of Art and History ; village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*
Address: Thouars, Bressuire, Poitou-Charentes, 79100, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.975, longitude -0.214
Plan your visit to Thouars, Deux-Sevres
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Oiron Chateau: national monument (11 km)
- Eglise de Saint Généroux (Saint-Generoux): religious monument (12 km)
- Eglise Abbatial de Saint Jouin (Saint-Jouin-de-Marnes): religious monument (16 km)
- Eglise abbatiale de Saint Pierre (Airvault): religious monument (17 km)
- Montreuil-Bellay: recommended detour (18 km)
- Aquarium de Loudun: aquarium (23 km)
- Loudun: recommended detour (23 km)
- Parc zoologique de Doué-la-Fontaine: zoo or wildlife park (25 km)
- Abbaye Notre Dame de Fontevraud (Fontevraud Abbey): religious monument (30 km)
- Fontevraud Abbey: national monument (31 km)
- Aubigne-sur-Layon: ville fleurie 4* (32 km)
- Saumur: secteur sauvegarde (33 km)
Market days in Thouars, France
Regular market(s) are held in Thouars each Tuesday & Friday all day. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Thouars (Francais)