Wed 21st and Thu 22nd October 2026
As we head further north we aim to explore places that arouse interest en-route. France has so much history.
We spent Wednesday night at Vouvant, a pleasant, fortified medieval village built on a hill in the crook of a river-bend, then moved on to Montreuil-Bellay another hill-top fortified medieval town with a very impressive château.
Wednesday; Vouvant:
After parking up on the aire, which is only 400 metres from the village centre, we walked up to explore. The village is surrounded by high medieval ramparts overlooking the river on its 3 southern sides.
As we approached, we first came across the high tower with some very precarious steps alongside it, up to the town. We went this way up, but I would not have liked to return by the same route.
There is a legend that the château, which is mostly now gone, was built in just one night by a mythical woman/fairy, Melusine, who turned into a serpent each Saturday (I know a few folk who get legless on a Saturday). I somehow have my doubts about the story, but we visited an exhibition above the tourist office which explained the legend.
The church is also quite interesting. The high altar is way up above the nave level and there is a crypt below.
The stone carvings around the door are interesting. Not sure of their meaning:
Thursday; Montreuil-Bellay:
After climbing the long staircase up to the main street, we explored the village a little:
Although the village of Montreuil-Bellay is pleasant and has some very old buildings, its stand-out feature is the château, which is hugely tall and ornate, with many fairytale-like features. We visited and explored the château, which stands way above the village and surrounding landscape.
It is hard to believe the shear number of pointy roofs this place has.
The château is in private ownership and it is apparent that parts of it are used for residential purposes. Nevertheless, some of the rooms on show, were furnished and provided an insight into the lifestyle afforded. Some of the decoration is very opulent.
We also visited the church which is a part of the château site. It has a very high ceiling and no isles.
That is all for today. TTFN and see-u-later.
