The cooperative mill and bakery of Coulonges-Thouarsais was established in 1910 in a building constructed specifically for this purpose. Together with the construction history of Notre-Dame, the archaeological traces of La Loge and the bocage landscape, it makes for a destination with a range of cultural and natural themes. When deciding whether to travel here, you can consider whether you are more interested in industrial history, architecture, archaeology or landscape.

Mill and church architecture

The mill and bakery combine two functions in a building constructed specifically for this business. The year it was built and its specific use give the site a clear connection to industrial history. Its cooperative nature is another distinctive aspect: it complements the focus on production with the way the business was organised.

Notre-Dame is one of the last churches to have been built under the 1801 Concordat and before the 1905 law separating church and state. This places the building in a clearly defined historical period. The choice of materials offers another perspective: granite was used on the exterior and Poitiers stone inside. The church can therefore be viewed both in terms of its historical context and the contrast between its building materials.

Archaeological traces at La Loge

The La Loge archaeological museum displays finds discovered during expansion work at the site. The archaeological remains include a Gallo-Roman village with two enclosed settlements, as well as burial areas containing pottery and glassware. Settlement structures and burial finds offer different facets of the archaeological story: they draw attention both to the settlements and to objects from the burial areas.

The museum was accessible by prior appointment. Before your visit, check whether this is currently possible. You should also find out before travelling how the archaeological finds are presented on site.

Bocage and landscape

An intermunicipal nature event invited visitors to discover the bocage landscape around Coulonges-Thouarsais. This focus on the landscape differs from the individual buildings and archaeological finds: here, the surroundings take centre stage as a subject in their own right. If you want to consider the landscape as well as culture when choosing a destination, you can compare this perspective with the historical highlights.

Production and cuisine

Les Cagouilles de Romain raises around 30,000 snails outdoors each year and manages the entire production chain—from breeding and processing to marketing. The approximate annual quantity and outdoor farming describe the business; the complete chain shows which steps are involved from breeding to sale.

A selection of Les Cagouilles de Romain products can be sampled at the Maison du Thouarsais shop. Check current availability before your visit.

L'Antunes offers seasonal cuisine and so-called natural wines. As the menu is seasonal and may change, check what is currently on offer before your visit.

Highlights for your stay

The themes are easy to distinguish when planning your trip: the mill and Notre-Dame represent production and architectural history, La Loge offers archaeological traces, and the bocage provides a connection to the landscape. Snail farming, tastings and seasonal cuisine add a culinary dimension. Use these differences to consider whether Coulonges-Thouarsais suits the kind of stay you are planning and what you would like to prioritise when searching for a holiday rental.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Clavé, La Crèche, Messé, Genneton, Scillé, Cersay, Saint-Aubin-Du-Plain, Fontenille-Saint-Martin-d'Entraigues.

Back to the regional travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.