Attractions and Places To See around Fontenay-Le-Comte - Top 20

Nice view of the canal

Beautiful gravel hike all around

Very good roads with bike lanes.

Long before the discovery of electricity and the associated inventions, our ancestors discovered the possibility of harnessing the power of the elements—which, while useful on the one hand, could also be a threat as a force of nature—for various purposes. A fitting example of the human inventiveness of earlier generations is such a mill: The heavy millstones used to grind grain or press oil, for example, could be powered by water or—as in this case—the wind. Hardly any of them still fulfill their original functions today, but fortunately, some have at least survived as testimonies to ancient times.

The Jean Guilloux chain ferry allows you to cross the Sèvre Niortaise River from Saint Jean de Liversay (Charente-Maritime) to Vix (Vendée). It is free to access and is operated manually. The chain ferry can be used independently by pedestrians and cycle tourists, with a maximum of 6 people per crossing. Cyclists' bicycles may be taken on board the ferry. Operating and safety regulations are posted on each bank. This type of boat was once a common means of crossing canals and channels in the Marais Poitevin. Free access is limited to 6 people or a maximum weight of 450 kg. Pets are allowed. Accessibility dates are from April 5 to October 31, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The acquisition of the "Jean Guilloux" chain ferry was made possible thanks in part to the support of the European Union.

Long before the discovery of electricity and the inventions associated with it, our ancestors discovered the possibility of harnessing the power of the elements for various purposes - which were useful on the one hand, but could also be a threat as a force of nature on the other. A good example of the human inventiveness of earlier generations is such a mill: the heavy millstones used to grind grain or press oil, for example, could be powered by water or - as here - the wind. Hardly any of them still fulfil their original functions today, but fortunately some have at least survived as evidence of the old days.

To cross here, take a bike ride or walk. Grab the chain and pull, this way you will be on the opposite bank.

The origins of the city of Luçon are linked to port activity dating back to the early Middle Ages, when the city was located on the edge of the Gulf of Pictons before the drying up of the Marais Poitevin. Luzon was then a fortified town, whose ramparts, protected by water moats, can be seen in the layout of the streets surrounding the town centre. Throughout the 19th century, the commercial activity of the port of Luçon with northern Europe in particular, which for a time even made it the third largest grain port in France, contributed to the enrichment of the city. This activity stopped in the 20th century with the silting of the canal which connected the city to the coast. But Luzon is best known for its religious status. From the 7th century, the foundation of a monastery which was destroyed by the Viking invasions made it the spiritual center of Bas-Poitou and the town became the seat of the bishopric in the 14th century. In 1608, a certain Armand Jean du Plessis was appointed Bishop of Luçon. Noting the sad state of the city ravaged during the Wars of Religion, he described the region as "the ugliest bishopric in France, the dirtiest and most disagreeable" (especially in order to justify his request for subsidies from the ecclesiastical authorities). endeavored from then on to reorganize the diocese which he left in 1623 to put himself at the service of the king, after a long ascent to the throne.This bishop of Luçon, with remarkable intellectual qualities, ended up becoming the principal Minister of Louis XIII, and remains known under the name of “Cardinal of Richelieu.” The history of the city remains intrinsically linked to the figure of Richelieu who officiated in this cathedral. Begun in 1091, the cathedral was initially in the Romanesque style. The portal of the north transept remains from this period. But for the most part, the building (the nave, the choir, the cloister) that we see now was rebuilt several times in the Gothic style. During the wars of religion, the church was repeatedly ransacked. The high openwork neo-Gothic spire is a splendid romantic fantasy according to 19th century taste. It peaks at 85 m and gives the cathedral the silhouette we know today. The city center of Luçon also offers other historical and religious monuments.