The best traffic-free bike rides around Maisontiers

The old Clécé train station marks a stop on the old railway line converted into a greenway. The disused building, with its simple lines and exposed timbers, is a perfect resting spot for a break.

Things to See & Do Ramparts: With approximately 30 semicircular towers, the granite walls symbolize medieval urban robustness. Ruined Castle: All that remains of the castle is a round tower (perhaps the keep) and sections of walls restored since the 1980s. Panoramic Walk: The rampart path offers splendid views of the Thouet Valley and the Saint-Paul district.

History & Architecture Medieval Construction: Built in the early 13th century under the aegis of John Lackland, the citadel rests on a natural promontory reinforced by three defensive walls, towers, and ramparts. Castle and Bastion: Its original, isolated castle included towers such as the Powder Tower and the Harcourt Tower. In the 15th century, Arthur de Richemont added the bastille and an artillery boulevard. Citadel Gate (or Clock Gate): The gatehouse is flanked by two almond-shaped towers and topped with a clock tower. A granite staircase provides access to the guardroom and the patrol path.

The citadel of Parthenay, nicknamed the "little Carcassonne of the West", is one of the city's heritage jewels, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the bend of the Thouet River.

Better equipped than many campsites! The restrooms are super clean, and they even provide toilet paper and soap. The shower costs €1 (coin-operated) and runs for 8 minutes. Bike washing (including cleaner) is free. There's also a garage for bike parking, which you can lock if you have a lock with you. We loved it!

very good circuit

As you probably know, in the year 732, the armies of Charles Martel repelled the Arab advance around Poitiers. A troop of routed Saracens then barricaded themselves in the old parish church of St Sauveur and promised to surrender only in the event of divine intervention. However, in this month of May, after nights of prayers by the villagers, a cold snap hit the Poitiers countryside to the point of covering the grove with an astonishing layer of frost. The Saracens saw the sign of Allah in this unexpected event and decided to leave the village without giving battle. This legend gave its name to the village and the church of the Holy Trinity became a place consecrated by the religious authorities of the region. The oldest parts of the building that stands today on the small village square date back to the 11th century, but the church had to undergo several restoration campaigns during the 19th century. It now appears to us as a fine example of a Romanesque church, simple, rustic and austere. Note the modern stained glass windows made in the 1990s by Louis-René Petit, an artist who also worked in Sénanque and St Benoît sur Loire. His compositions inspired by frost give the church an atmosphere in harmony with its legend.

Beautiful old buildings, definitely worth a stop.