The most beautiful villages around Les Forges – where time meets charm

Parthenay

On a hill above the Thouet River lies Parthenay, a medieval town known as "Little Carcassonne". It has ancient city walls and winding alleys, where half-timbered and stone facades alternate. Small galleries, potters and studios give the centre an artistic feel. When you walk through the Saint-Jacques gate and look across the bridge, you enter a completely different atmosphere and environment. More background information about Parthenay and its historical sites can be found at Tourisme Deux-Sèvres. 

Melle

Further south lies Melle, known for its three Romanesque churches that are among the most beautiful in France. The stones seem to glow gold in the warm sunlight. The village square is surrounded by cafes with terraces under old chestnut trees. Just outside the village is the Arboretum de Melle, where hiking trails wind past rare trees and fragrant flowers – a wonderfully peaceful place (see hiking in Poitou-Charentes). 

Airvault

Airvault is located between hills and forests, with an old abbey dominating the village landscape. The abbey church is both imposing and austere at the same time, an example of the Romanesque architecture for which the region is known. The narrow streets surrounding it lead to small squares with fountains and houses with weathered shutters. The silence and the sound of rippling water make it a peaceful village that has changed little over time.

Saint-Loup-Lamairé

Saint-Loup-Lamairé, a village much visited by tourists, lies on the Thouet River. A stone bridge connects both banks; on the waterfront are mansions with turrets and flower-filled gardens. On warm days, the water sparkles among the greenery, and along the quay there are benches where you can rest and enjoy the view of the castle. If you want to visit a beautiful village in the Poitou-Charentes, then Saint-Loup-Lamairé is definitely worth a visit from your holiday home in France. 

Thouars

Thouars is larger, but equally charming. The town is situated high above a bend in the Thouet River and is dominated by the castle of the Dukes de la Trémoïlle. Within the walls of the old town centre, you will find narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses, boutiques and cafés. The covered market hall is filled with the aromas of cheese, wine and herbal scents. Several walks through the valley have been mapped out from the town.
🔗 Also read: Walking during the holidays. 

Lusignan

South of Poitiers, not far from Les Forges, lies Lusignan. According to legend, it was founded by the fairy Mélusine. On the hill above the river Vonne stands the remains of the medieval castle where the lords of Lusignan once lived. Walk through the old city gate, past the stone houses and through the narrow streets and enjoy the beautiful appearance of Lusignan.

Chauvigny

Nestled among gently rolling hills lies Chauvigny, a town built in layers. On top of the rock you can see the remains of five Castles, each with its own history. From the medieval walls, you have a view over the valley of the Vienne. In the lower part of the town there are quiet streets with boutiques, bakeries and cafes. The combination of history, nature and a relaxed atmosphere makes Chauvigny very attractive for families. There is space to stroll around, watch and relax. 

Montmorillon

The city of Montmorillon is famous for its books. The city is also known as the Ville du Livre – the city of books – because the old quarter on the Gartempe is home to dozens of bookshops and workshops. The river flows quietly under the stone bridge, and the facades reflect in the water. The sound of footsteps on the cobblestones, the smell of coffee and paper: everything contributes to the charming, quiet ambiance.

Confolens

Confolens is located at the confluence of two rivers. The village is connected to the water. The water glistens between the old houses and the stone bridge, and in summer, music and colour fill the squares. Confolens is known for its international folklore festival, which transforms the village into a lively meeting place every August. Out of season it is calm and friendly. We recommend visiting this village if you like conviviality or if you are looking for peace and atmosphere.

Nanteuil-en-Vallée

On the edge of the Charente lies Nanteuil-en-Vallée, a village that blends in perfectly with its natural surroundings. Old monastery walls, gardens full of flowers and a babbling brook define the landscape. The Romanesque abbey ruins are surrounded by greenery, and fragrant herbs and plants grow in the gardens. Nanteuil-en-Vallée exudes tranquillity and simplicity – a place where you can stroll through narrow streets and hear the silence that is so characteristic of the French countryside. 

Verteuil-sur-Charente

The castle of Verteuil-sur-Charente is a must-see. Its towers are reflected in the river that flows past the village. On the other side of the river you will see stone houses with slate roofs and gardens full of flowers. As you walk across the bridge, you feel how time moves at a slower pace here. The bells ring, a cat sleeps in the sun, and in the distance you can smell the bread from the bakery. This village is a model of French elegance, without losing its simplicity.

After a day full of impressions, you drive back through the rolling countryside of Poitou-Charentes to your luxury villa with swimming pool. Along the way, golden cornfields alternate with small hamlets where time stands still. The sky slowly turns soft pink, and in the distance church bells sound announcing the evening hour. When you arrive at your holiday home in the Poitou-Charentes, your children quickly take a dip in the water. The end of another wonderful day at FranceComfort Holiday Parks.

Angoulême

Angoulême is located on a hill overlooking the Charente valley. The city is famous for its murals and comic art, but it also has a sophisticated charm that goes beyond that. The cobblestone streets wind between houses with light-coloured facades and wrought-iron balconies. Cafes are popping up everywhere where the smell of freshly ground coffee mixes with that of warm croissants. On the edge of the old city walls, each view offers a different perspective: of the river, the rooftops or the vineyards in the distance. Angoulême is a city that combines the vibrancy of culture with the calmness of nature. 

Saintes

Between Cognac and Rochefort lies Saintes, a city where the traces of the Romans are still clearly visible. The amphitheatre, built in the first century, is located in a green valley surrounded by hills and remains an impressive monument to this day. The tourist office in Saintes will provide you with more information. In the centre, classic façades alternate with narrow streets, and in the squares you can hear the soft buzz of markets and terraces. Along the Charente river, you will find shaded hiking trails, perfect for spending the afternoon. Saintes is a city that knows how to combine grandeur and conviviality. 

Cognac

The town of Cognac is steeped in history and fragrance. Along the quays are old warehouses where the drink of the same name is still aged. The streets have a slight sweet smell of oak and grapes. But Cognac is more than just distilleries: it has a charming historic centre with Renaissance houses, courtyards full of flowers and narrow alleys that invite you to wander. Around the village square, you can hear conversations and the clinking of glasses, a reflection of the French art of living. In Cognac, everything revolves around tradition and craftsmanship. You can find out more about the history of the drink at Cognac.fr. Visit a distillery and see how cognac is made.

Saumur

To the north, along the Loire, lies Saumur, a city that exudes grandeur and elegance. It is a little further from your holiday home in Poitou-Charentes, but definitely worth the trip. The white castle towers above the river like a watchtower of stone and light. Surrounding it are wine cellars carved into limestone rocks, where sparkling wines are made. The atmosphere in the city is typically French: markets, cafes and flowers give Saumur a friendly feel.
The surrounding area is a mix of vineyards, river landscapes and forests – a paradise for those who enjoy leisurely drives or walks. 

Fontevraud-l'Abbaye

Not far from Saumur lies Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, one of the largest abbey complexes in Europe. The white walls, cloisters and cross vaults have been beautifully restored. Inside, there is absolute tranquility. Kings and queens are buried here, but the abbey is also alive in the present, with art exhibitions and concerts. The combination of spirituality, architecture and history makes Fontevraud one of the most special places in the region.
More information can be found at Fontevraud.fr. 

Chinon

Chinon is located on the river Vienne and is famous for its wines. The city climbs up a hill, crowned by an imposing castle. The narrow streets are lined with wine cellars, cafes, and old houses with wooden balconies. During the day you can stroll through the city, in the evening music can be heard from the wine bars and restaurants. 

Markets in France

Also, visit the markets in the Dordogne, the markets in the Languedoc and Provence-Côte d'Azur to experience the French atmosphere of those regions. There are certainly differences, but the similarities are greater. 

What makes the villages around Les Forges so special is not only what you see, but also what you feel. There is a feeling of peace and tranquillity that is difficult to describe, a sense of simplicity and authenticity. In every village you can hear the soft sound of church bells, the rustling of leaves, the distant barking of a dog.

The houses are built from honey-coloured stone, with shutters in shades of blue and green. On the squares there are fountains and plane trees that cast shade over the terraces. Here, residents meet, drink a glass of wine and exchange stories. For travellers, this is the France that one often has in mind: simple, warm and real.

Along the edges of the villages are small farms where local products are made. Goat's cheese from Melle, honey from Nanteuil, wine from Chinon and Cognac – these are flavours that are linked to the landscape itself. The gastronomy of Poitou-Charentes is not excessive, but it is pure. On the menus, you will find dishes prepared with seasonal products: grilled fish from the Charente, stews with white beans, or light salads with walnut oil.

The French lifestyle is still tangibly present here. The days start slowly, with coffee on the terrace and a walk to the bakery. The  afternoons invite you to rest; a book in the shade, a glass of wine at sunset. In the evening, villages fill with the smell of barbecue and music. People drink, eat and enjoy the moment – not in a hurry, but in the rhythm of life itself.

The Poitou-Charentes is also a region of contrasts. The cities offer culture, museums and liveliness, while the villages provide peace and space. Between the two lies a landscape that invites you to discover. Those who stay longer notice how the days organise themselves: the market on Tuesday, a walk on Thursday and a trip to a castle at the weekend.
A cadence is created that suits French rural life.

A holiday home in the Poitou-Charentes is luxurious and comfortable, with a spacious garden and privacy so that you can fully enjoy yourself with your family. Your children have plenty of space to play and there is entertainment in the summer months. If you want something different next year, book a holiday home in the Languedoc, a holiday home in the Dordogne or a luxury villa in Provence.