The historical centre of the town can still be entered by one of the historic gateways through the town defences, that were already admitting pilgrims to Parthenay in the middle ages. One of these is the large Porte Saint-Jacques, reached via a 13th century bridge across the slowly moving river and the other is the Porte de la Citadelle, also referred to as the clocktower.

Parthenay is an ancient fortified town and commune in the Deux-Sèvres department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in western France. It is sited on a rocky spur that is surrounded on two sides by the River Thouet, and is the sub-prefecture of the Parthenay arrondissement 

Enjoy our animations and our educational tools to fully discover our park: daily viewings with the animals thanks to our animal attendants, information on animals and on our actions, fun family activities and invitations to our events throughout the year! 

Introduced by the animal keepers, our animations are important informative and awareness-raising times on the animal world and on the BIOPARC's actions. Everyday:
• Great aviary • Vultures feeding
• Okapis' Sanctuary • Giraffe feeding
• Tigers rendez-vous • Animation surprise

Open Monday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Porte Châlon
79 400 Saint-Maixnet The School
05 49 05 54 05

Access to internet available here.  

NIORT is a lovely shopping town and has the street dragons and plenty of places to eat. 

Cognac is a town on the Charente River in the west of France with almost 20 thousand inhabitants, and it's world famous because of the brandy with the same name. Cognac is also the hometown of King Francis I, who ruled France for more than 30 years in the first part of the 16th century. Cognac has a charming old city, awesome parks, and old houses, the stones of which are covered with black velvet most of the time, as a result of a microscopic fungus living on alcohol steams. The town owes its original wealth and success to King Francis I, rather than to the drink for which it is now famous. The king granted Cognac a licence to trade in salt, it was a very important strategic decision. So, check these eight awesome things to do in Cognac. 

Calendar of garage sales, and flea markets in France. Find the dates of events near you. Vide-greniers.org is the reference calendar.

The best little French restaurant is IN SOUDAN ! Check out the above link for L'ORANGERIE 

The Brunet family is happy to welcome you to the heart of Poitou-Charentes. Just a two minute drive to the village restaurant from the house.
We offer our customers catering
with flavors of today and of yesteryear
in a modern restaurant room, patio or on the terrace.

Come and experience the unique world of Puy du Fou, several times voted "World's Best Theme Park*"! It will be an unforgettable experience for all the family, with spectacular performances, epic adventures and thrills!
Arriving at Puy du Fou, forget the 21st century and throw yourself into a journey back in time! On more than 50 hectares, discover a splendid natural park with 20 spectacular shows by day and by night, 4 authentic villages with their craftsmen and more than 1,500 animals in the heart of a century-old forest. (One hour up the motor way from the house)

Amusement park / theme park