12 ideas for visits to Montmorillon and its surroundings

What to do in the pretty flowery town of Montmorillon?

For a day trip, a weekend or long holidays, the heritage of Montmorillon can always be discovered or rediscovered with pleasure. If tourism is part of local life, the town retains its charm of yesteryear and the authenticity of the small medieval towns of France.

1. Montmorillon, City of writing and book trades

It is to the waters of the Gartempe which rock it that Montmorillon partly owes its history linked to books. During the Enlightenment, the banks of the river were occupied by paper mills. In the 1990s, the Salon du livre helped to highlight this rich dormant past. This strong identity is at the origin the City of Writing and Book Professions that we know today. This is how, after strolling through the shelves of bookstores and second-hand booksellers, you visit the Typewriter and Calculating Machine Museum. Its permanent exhibition, accessible free of charge, pays a nice tribute to the heritage of the Poitevin city.

2. Montmorillon, town of artisans

To animate the City of Writing and Book Professions, second-hand booksellers, painters, illuminators and even designers have invested its historic heart. THE passionate professionals thus open the doors of their workshops, offering a literary and artistic stroll to all curious visitors. As the region is rich in ancestral and artisanal traditions, shops punctuate the walk with local flavors and know-how.

3. Montmorillon and its macaroons

If everyone knows that the Chabichou, Cheese cake ou the Crushed viennent of Poitou, few know that macarons have been a specialty of Montmorillonnais since the 17th^nd century. The Rannou-Métivier House perpetuates this tradition for the greatest happiness of all. Located in the lower town, it houses the Macaroon Museum. It is therefore impossible to leave without having taken a gourmet break!

4. Montmorillon, contemplation on the banks of the Gartempe

Before setting off to attack the heights of Montmorillon which shelter the medieval quarter, it is pleasant to stroll along the banks of the Gartempe, this river that separates the city in two. From its shores, the view of the city and the Notre-Dame church makes you want to cross the superb medieval bridge and go exploring.

What to do around the City of writing and book trades?

Beyond its rich heritage, Montmorillon is fortunate to be located in the heart of a territory dotted with remarkable monuments, living agricultural traditions and varied tourist activities. The sites of interest listed by the tourist office promise great discoveries!

6. The Ecomuseum of Montmorillonnais, life in the past in the countryside of Poitou

6 km from Montmorillon, an old farmhouse in the heart of the Poitevine countryside houses a museum like no other. It is the Ecomuseum of Montmorillonnais, devoted to the rural history of the region. In the various exhibition rooms, the life of the inhabitants of yesteryear is scenographed and placed in parallel with agricultural techniques and with current ecological issues. The visit also takes place outdoors with a conservatory orchard and a 3 km interpretive trail. Workshops are also organized there, alongside a family puzzle game !

7. Lussac-les-Châteaux, at the heart of prehistory

While radiating around Montmorillon, you also have the opportunity to explore shelters and prehistoric caves. It is in Lussac-les-Châteaux that you will discover the cave of the fadets on the edge of a pond. At La Sabline Prehistory Museum, opt for dedicated animation prehistoric engravings and a visit to the Marche cave. Finally, extend your trip through this city of character by a treasure hunt of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine geocaching application Tèrra Aventura.

8. La Fermothèque, the farm for apprentice farmers

Whether for an afternoon with the family or for a summer camp, the activities offered by the Fermothèque are always intense. Here, we forget about wifi! The children play apprentice farmers with the Limousin cows, participate in preparing meals or tending the vegetable garden. On the program: take care of nature and animals while having fun and singing!

9. Saint-Savin, discovery of the abbey and treasure hunt Tèrra Aventura

To discover at the same time one of the emblematic monuments of the department, direction Saint-Savin, refuge of one of the most beautiful religious buildings in France. The abbey church of Saint-Savin, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a gem of Romanesque art. Its murals are among the largest in Europe. And if you are a fan of fun visits, complete the day with the treasure hunt Tèrra Aventura to also explore the surroundings.

11. Angles-sur-l'Anglin, one of the most beautiful villages in France in the Vienne

A few kilometers from Montmorillon, Angles-sur-l'Anglin is one of those places that we discover with pleasure as their memory is loaded with stories and legends. From recounted prehistory to Roc aux Sorciers Interpretation Center to the medieval era witnessed by the feudal castle, Angles-sur-l'Anglin shares a real journey through time with visitors.

12. Civaux, between culture, fun visits and relaxation

On the road between Montmorillon and Poitiers, Civaux is an active town that contributes to the dynamism of regional tourism. Civaux's past is traced in the archaeological Museum which offers a large number of activities for children. The locality also hosts land of dragons, an animal park dedicated to reptiles and dragons, with a playful and innovative visit concept that delights young and old alike. Finally, the aquatic area Abyssea offers a real moment of relaxation with its swimming pool and spa facilities.

Now that Montmorillon has been told to you, you know some of the secrets of its books and its macaroons, but also of the nature, the charming villages and the remarkable monuments that mark out its country. So, what are you waiting for, book your next stay in the south of Vienne and pierce all its mysteries?