A rare mural depicting the damnation of Herod gives Chiché a distinctive cultural character. The Chapelle Saint Nicolas de La Poraire, the former Gothic chapel Notre Dame de la Recouvrance, the Les bois de Chausserais loop trail and a saffron farm offer different perspectives on heritage, landscape and agriculture. You can tailor your stay to art history, a hike or a group visit arranged in advance.

Chapels and Heritage

The Chapelle Saint Nicolas de La Poraire is a historic monument and a surviving testament to a former Fontevrist priory. Its murals date from the late 12th to early 13th century; one depicts the rare scene of the damnation of Herod. This means the focus is not only on the building, but also on a specific subject depicted in the artwork. Visits are free and can be self-guided or led by a guide. Outside the summer opening hours, visits are available by appointment. Check the opening hours before you travel if you are planning a visit.

Another historic landmark in Chiché is the former Gothic chapel Notre Dame de la Recouvrance. It dates from the 14th or 15th century. The dates highlight different periods: the murals in the Chapelle Saint Nicolas date from the late 12th to early 13th century, while Notre Dame de la Recouvrance dates from the 14th or 15th century. Here, a named subject depicted in a painting and a chapel building from a later period offer different ways to explore religious history.

Hiking and Landscape

The Les bois de Chausserais loop trail takes in bocage landscapes, the Thouaret Valley and historic remains. It starts at Place de l'église in Chiché, by the bus stop. If you would rather take in landscapes and traces of history on a hike than focus on individual religious buildings, this offers a different way to explore the area's themes. The specific starting point makes it easy to include the trail in your day's plans.

Les Randonnées Chichéennes organizes hikes in and beyond the commune, as well as events related to the environment and heritage. Alongside the loop trail, there are therefore other organized hikes and events to choose from. If you are planning a hike or event, confirm the dates and participation details with the association.

Saffron Farm in Chiché

Le Safran de la Chaise en Bocage operates a 2-hectare saffron farm in Chiché. The farm welcomes groups by appointment. This adds an agricultural visit to the cultural and landscape experiences. If you are planning this activity for a group, arrange your visit in advance and confirm the visiting arrangements.

The options differ considerably: the chapel offers free self-guided visits or guided tours, the loop trail combines landscapes with historic remains, and the farm welcomes groups by appointment. You can tailor your stay to culture, activity or a group visit arranged in advance.

Discover more destinations: Vasles, Saint-Aubin-le-Cloud, Fors, Clussais-La-Pommeraie, Chizé, Bouillé-Loretz, Chauray, Saint-Aubin-Du-Plain

For the overview of the wider region: Deux-Sèvres.