Périgné can be explored from more than one perspective: the Église Saint-Martin preserves distinctive features dating from the 12th century, while Le sentier de la Belle connects cultural heritage and nature. There are also local tales surrounding the washhouses and the annual Foire de Mai. For travel planning, these provide concrete starting points for a stay combining architecture, walking and local culture.
Church architecture from several building phases
The nave and bell tower of the Église Saint-Martin date from the 12th century. A sculpted doorway with capitals and corbels opens onto a side wall of the nave. These details offer a specific architectural perspective on the building: alongside the nave, it is particularly the doorway’s stonework that catches the eye.
The renovation of the choir in the 15th century was left unfinished, and the vaults were not completed either. The building thus brings together older surviving elements and a later, unfinished renovation. Those interested in church architecture can consider individual features and different building phases together, rather than focusing on just one detail.
Le sentier de la Belle: walking and scenery
Le sentier de la Belle starts in the square in front of the church in Périgné, where parking is available. Route details updated in 2025 describe it as an easy, 6.2-kilometre circular walk taking about two hours. Route information may change, so it is advisable to check the details before setting out.
In the Belle valley, the trail passes between dry-stone walls and washhouses with clear water. For the most part, it crosses a landscape shaped by open plains and rows of poplar trees. The route combines the discovery of cultural heritage with experiences of nature: its character is defined both by the built heritage along the way and by the valley landscape. The approximate duration helps with planning your time, while the landscape and cultural heritage give an idea of what connects this circular route thematically.
Another route, Le chemin des lavoirs, passes washhouses, former mills and small castles along the meanders of the Belle and the Béronne. Comparing the two route descriptions, Le sentier de la Belle focuses on the connection between cultural heritage and nature, while Le chemin des lavoirs particularly highlights the washhouses and other structures along the route.
Washhouses, water and local stories
Local lore also gives the washhouses a special place: stories from Périgné include the fées lavandières, fairies said in legend to bathe in the washhouse. This is folklore, not a historical event. The connection with the washhouses links the story to a recurring theme in the route descriptions, without requiring another attraction to be part of the visit.
Fishing is possible at Étang de Prérault. There are also picnic tables and play equipment for children. If these facilities are important to your visit, check their current condition in advance. Périgné is also on the Route du Chabichou, where visitors can discover farms and local cheese producers. This offers another way to explore the area, beyond its church architecture and walking trails.
Foire de Mai and travel planning
The Foire de Mai is held annually and organised by the Foyer Rural Périgné. If you are planning a stay around the festival, check the specific dates for your travel period.
The different activities have distinct focuses that can help you decide: the church offers the opportunity to explore architectural styles and historical building phases; Le sentier de la Belle combines a walk of about two hours with scenery and cultural heritage. Washhouses feature in both the route descriptions and local stories. If you prefer a peaceful stay combining nature and culture, you can take these interests into account when choosing holiday accommodation in Périgné and plan your visit around the focus you prefer.
Discover more destinations: Le Breuil-sous-Argenton, Saint-Aubin-Du-Plain, La Chapelle-Gaudin, Brion-Près-Thouet, Faye-L'abbesse, Le Busseau, Le Tallud, Scillé.
For the wider travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.
