Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Les Épesses, Pays de la Loire
If you're looking for an exciting road trip, a drive from Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Les Épesses, Pays de la Loire is an excellent choice, covering 175 miles. On this drive, you'll discover unique towns, historic monuments, and stunning landscapes. The journey takes around three hours and has plenty of unexpected stops that you would never expect on a typical road trip.
Halfway Point: Saint Varent, 79
Before we dive into the top five unexpected places, let's take a stop in the halfway point of this drive: Saint Varent, 79. This small town is located in Deux-Sèvres, which lies on the edge of Anjou and Poitou. Although it is a small town, there are plenty of quaint shops and restaurants to peruse, including several museums to explore. Most notably, there is the Beugnon Museum, which houses the world's finest collections of traditional French ceremonial swords, and the Museum of Marie-Louise, which is dedicated to the Empress Marie-Louise, who was the second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.
1. Thouars, 79
Thouars is nestled within the region of Poitou-Charentes, located on the banks of the Thouet River. This town is famous for its fascinating underground caves, designed for growing mushrooms, known locally as the "champignonnières." Visitors can tour the caves and learn about the history of mushroom cultivation in this region. Additionally, Thouars has an impressive medieval fortress, with walls dating back to the 11th century. While in Thouars, be sure to try the "gratons," fried pork scratchings, which are a local culinary delight.
2. Saumur, 49
Saumur is a charming town located in Maine-et-Loire. Its most famous landmark is the Chateau de Saumur, one of the most beautiful fortresses in the Loire Valley. Here you can visit the Musée des Blindés, the world's largest collection of tanks and armored vehicles. The town is also known for its equestrian traditions, including the National Riding School, where you can watch dressage or take a horseback ride yourself. Don't miss the opportunity to try the "fouées," a traditional flatbread from the region.
3. Les Douves, 49
Located in Armaillé, Les Douves is a fascinating park filled with medieval-inspired gardens, all with a distinctive creative touch. It is designed to let visitors walk back in time to the Middle Ages when gardens were used for practical purposes as well as recreational ones. Here you can enjoy a range of activities, including archery lessons, horseback riding, falconry, and much more. Make sure you try the "rillettes," a savory pork spread that will leave your taste buds tingling with excitement.
4. Chateau des Essarts, 85
Chateau des Essarts is an exceptional historical monument in Vendée, situated in the charming town of Vouvant. It was originally built in the 14th century and has undergone several renovations since then. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the castle and explore its lovely surrounding gardens. You can also indulge in a typical Vendéen dish called "mogettes," white beans cooked with pork.
5. Chantonnay, 85
Chantonnay is a small town situated in the Vendée department, famous for its roaring textile industry. It has an outstanding castle that dates back to the 11th century, which has been classified as a historical monument. Visitors can explore the castle and learn about its rich history. Try the "brioche Vendéenne," a sweet brioche with a rich history of its own.
Conclusion
The drive from Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Les Épesses, Pays de la Loire is one of the most unique and exciting road trips in France. Throughout the journey, visitors will be amazed by the numerous unexpected stops this drive encompasses, allowing for an immersive cultural experience. Not only can you explore the charming towns, historical monuments, and stunning landscapes, but you can also indulge in some of the most delicious culinary delights France has to offer. Don't hesitate to embark on this journey and experience the beauty of these unexpected stops for yourself!