Small Towns of Character, four villages to visit!

Charroux, the treasures of the abbey

Upon arriving in Charroux, it's impossible to miss the Charlemagne tower At 37 meters tall, it dominates the village! Just a stone's throw from the impressive 16th-century market halls, the largest in Western France, it's truly impressive!

A stopover village on the Way of St. James, Charroux is home to the remains of one of the most powerful Benedictine abbeys in Carolingian Europe: Saint-Sauveur Abbey, founded in the 8th century.

Currently ranked Centre des Monuments NationauxThe site can be visited freely or with a guide. 

And every seven years, Charroux perpetuates a unique tradition: the ostentations, grand processions honoring relics venerated for over 160 years.

Monts-sur-Guesnes, in the shadow of its castle

Visible for miles around, Monts-sur-Guesnes stands proudly in the Loudun landscape. Its castle, built on the highest point in the area, tells a story of more than 1,000 years of medieval historyIts location is not accidental: as early as the Middle Ages, a medieval castle was built on this 146m high point to defend the territory. Transformed over the centuries, it now houses a fun and educational visitor site : themed rooms, immersive projections, workshops, adventure trails… young and old alike will find something to enjoy.

But Monts-sur-Guesnes is not just about its castle. The Scévolles forest, nature trails, and its 19th-century porches and pharmacopoeia offer a unique visitor experience!

Château-Larcher, rural charm and medieval heritage

Château-Larcher has preserved a remarkable heritage with the remains of its castle and its pentagonal 13th-century keep. Follow the Clouère stream to discover a theatrical setting: a perfectly preserved gatehouse, ancient portcullis slides, and an atmosphere seemingly frozen in time. The village also charms visitors with its events, driven by the strong involvement of its residents. Every year, the Medieval Fair, organized for nearly 20 years, features crafts, medieval music, demonstrations of traditional trades, dance, and theater—a true journey back to the town of yesteryear! 

Lusignan, under the watchful eye of the Fairy Mélusine

Last Small Town of Character to be awarded the label in the Vienne, and cradle of the legend of the Fairy MelusineLusignan displays its medieval treasures on a rocky promontory overlooking the Vonne. old medieval stronghold, closely linked to the powerful dynasty of the Lords of Lusignan, still proudly displays the remains of its enclosure bordered by ditches and closed by towers.

Remains of ramparts, restored fortified gate, Notre-Dame and Saint-Junien church which celebrated its millennium in 2025… the city invites you on a true journey through time between alleys full of history and remains of its fortified castle. 

And to visit the city in a different way, the LegendR app now offers two free immersive routes to discover the city in complete freedom!