Attractions and Places To See around Thouars - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Thouars include historical sites, natural features, and architectural landmarks. The region is characterized by the Thouet river, offering views of valleys and hills. Thouars itself features old houses, a chateau, and a medieval bridge. The area provides a setting for exploring various points of interest.
Best attractions and places to see around Thouars
- The most popular attractions is Pommiers Waterfall, a waterfall that is notable for its preserved green setting. Natural waterfalls are rare in this region.
- Another must-see spot is Saint-Médard Church of Thouars, a religious building. The Romanesque and Gothic church is characterized by its three naves and remarkable main portal.
- Visitors also love Pont des Chouans on the Thouet, a medieval bridge. This bridge crosses the Thouet river and offers views of the surroundings and the Château de Thouars.
- Thouars is known for its historical sites, natural features, and architectural landmarks. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, from ancient bridges to religious buildings and waterfalls.
- The attractions around Thouars are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 20 upvotes and 5 photos.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Thouars
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Thouars is just off the tourist track - and that is part of its charm. Visitors do come into town during the summer months from more popular areas for the renowned Friday Market but otherwise the place is almost a tourist-free zone. However, it is a really good place to use as a base. Situated between the larger towns of Saumur and Poitiers, Thouars is a perfect setting-off point for visiting the Loire Valley, the Limousin, The Poitou Maritime region and the Vendee, the roads are comparatively quiet, parking is plentiful (and free) and you get a sense that you are seeing the real France. Very few people speak English but are very friendly and welcoming.
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Montguimier Mill
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Pont des Chouans on the Thouet
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Pommiers Waterfall
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Saint-Médard Church of Thouars
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Take advantage of this hike to discover magical places.
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Dating from the 13th century, at the foot of the city ramparts, this bridge ultimately offers the best view of the Château de Thouars.
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Without the characteristic wings - which used to capture the power of the wind to set the heavy millstones in motion - the once proud windmill, which was certainly impressive at the time, is missing an essential architectural element. From a distance, the observer can see its modern successors: within sight of the former windmill, the slender towers and turbine blades of a modern wind farm, which is used to generate electricity, rise into the sky.
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In the proverbial "good old days" of centuries past, this (former) windmill, standing in a very prominent position in the vast landscape, must have made a deep impression on the viewer. However, this changed a long time ago: the no longer intact tower stump is missing the wings, precisely those elements that were once so fundamental to the appearance of those four-armed giants (at least that is what the character "Don Quixote" invented by Miguel Cervantes thinks in one of the famous Spanish author's bizarre stories).
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The Chouans bridge on the Thouet is a medieval bridge which crosses the Thouet river between Thouars and Saint-Jean-de-Thouars. The bridge was fortified in the 15th century and witnessed the passage of the Vendée army during the French Revolution. You can admire the architecture of the bridge which has two arches and triangular spouts on the piers. You can also enjoy the view of the river and the castle of the Dukes of La Trémoille on the hill. The bridge is classified as a historic monument and has been restored several times.
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The Moulin de Montguimier is a 12th century mill that belonged to the monks of Saint-Jouin-de-Marnes. You can start your hike from the parking lot of the Saint-Généroux church, a remarkable example of Romanesque art. Cross the bridge over the Thouet and follow the yellow markings. You will pass an old lime kiln and enjoy the view of the valley and hills. You can also picnic by the river and relax in the shade of the walnut trees.
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Natural waterfalls are rather rare in this region. This one is remarkable in its incredibly preserved green setting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique natural attractions to visit around Thouars?
A standout natural attraction is the Pommiers Waterfall. It's notable for its incredibly preserved green setting, as natural waterfalls are quite rare in this region.
Are there historical sites or architectural landmarks to explore in Thouars?
Yes, Thouars is rich in history. You can visit the Saint-Médard Church of Thouars, a Romanesque and Gothic religious building known for its three naves and remarkable main portal. Another significant landmark is the Pont des Chouans on the Thouet, a medieval bridge offering superb views of the river and the Château de Thouars.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the attractions in Thouars?
The area around Thouars is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, gravel biking, and running. For example, there are moderate hiking trails like the 'Cirque de Missé' loop or the 'Thouet River Trail'. You can explore more options on the hiking guide for Thouars, the gravel biking guide, or the running trails guide.
Are there any easy walking trails suitable for families or casual strolls?
Yes, there are easy walking options. For instance, the 'Chouans Bridge on the Thouet' loop from Saint-Jacques-de-Thouars is an easy 4 km hike. You can find more easy routes in the hiking guide for Thouars.
What is the Montguimier Mill and what can I do there?
The Montguimier Mill is a historic 12th-century mill that once belonged to the monks of Saint-Jouin-de-Marnes. You can start a hike from the nearby Saint-Généroux church, cross the bridge over the Thouet, and enjoy views of the valley. It's also a pleasant spot to picnic by the river.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Thouars region?
Visitors appreciate Thouars for its charm as a less-traveled French town. They enjoy its many beautiful old houses and streets, the chateau, the lovely river, and the vibrant Friday morning market. It's also seen as a great base for exploring the wider Loire Valley, Limousin, Poitou Maritime, and Vendee regions.
Can I find viewpoints to admire the landscape around Thouars?
Absolutely. The Pont des Chouans on the Thouet offers superb views of the surrounding area, including the Thouet river and the Château de Thouars perched on the hill.
What is the best way to experience the Thouet river and its surroundings?
The Thouet river is central to the region's beauty. You can experience it by walking along its banks, for example, on the 'Thouet River Trail' (a moderate 7.6 km hike). The Pont des Chouans on the Thouet also provides excellent vantage points over the river and its valley.
Are there any long-distance cycling routes or gravel biking opportunities?
Yes, for those interested in longer rides, there are challenging gravel biking routes around Thouars. Some routes, like the 'Saint-Médard Church of Thouars – Pont des Chouans on the Thouet loop', can be quite extensive, covering distances of over 90 km. You can find detailed routes in the gravel biking guide for Thouars.
What kind of historical significance does the Pont des Chouans on the Thouet hold?
The Pont des Chouans on the Thouet is a medieval bridge dating from the 13th century. It was fortified in the 15th century and played a role during the French Revolution, witnessing the passage of the Vendée army. It is classified as a historic monument.
Where can I find information about the town of Thouars itself?
The town of Thouars is known for its charming old houses, a chateau, and a lively market on Friday mornings. It's described as a good base for exploring the wider region, with quiet roads and plentiful free parking.
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