Places to go and things to do

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Maillezias - local village 1km from the house

The Abbey

The Abbey at Maillezais, a ruin now, yet amazingly much remains of the structure. For those of you interested in French and Early European history, the Abbey was an important place, established in the 11 century. The abbey saw many revisions, at one point being the centre for the church in the Poitevin (the old land boundaries of the Vendée). It also was the home of many important scholars including the infamous Rabelais (1494-1553).

Le Syndicat d'Initiative (Tourist Information centre)

Maillezais has its own tourist information officer (English is spoken). From here much can be gleamed about current events, including local festivals, local village market days, religious services, they can even make bookings for you.

Promenade en Barque

Taking a "Promenade en Barque " (boat trip) in the Venise Verte. Another must, these trips are either accompanied or  not. Many of the local villages offer such excursions, the one in Maillezais takes you around the boundary of the ruined Abbey  - allow 2-3 hours for the boat ride.

Niort -   Fine Norman castle- restaurants- market- Cathedral.

La Rochelle- Picturesque medieval port and City walls, great fish restaurants, good shopping, museums, aquarium, cinemas, watersports.  

Venise Verte - Follow the marked Circuit Touristique de la Venise Verte from Le Mazeau. Click here

Forest of Mervent - Zoo at Mervent

Vouvant - ancient walled town

Cognac- take a tour of one of the many Cognac distilleries.  (Tasting included). Click here

Beaches- on the West Coast.