Pouzauges - Petite Cité de Caractère

Discover Pouzauges and its history on a stroll through the narrow streets.

Built on a rocky promontory, the town developed in fortified terraces at the foot of its castle. Its winding streets and emblematic monuments, such as the castle and the Saint-Jacques church in the town centre, remain from that era. As the driving force behind a rural area, Pouzauges enjoyed a new era of glory at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. It was the first town in western France to be electrified, and its lively livestock markets made it famous. The typical plots of farmland and hamlets that make up Pouzauges' immediate environment bear witness to this close relationship between the town and the countryside. In the heart of the town, you'll find narrow, flower-filled lanes known as "venelles", typical stone, brick and tile facades, green spaces to recharge your batteries, and contemporary works of art. Mosaics at the entrances and exits of each alleyway highlight the pedestrian lanes, whose names reflect the history and unique features of the town. In this way, Pouzauges offers a setting in which to relax, discover its heritage and culture, and enjoy a privileged contact with nature.
Outside the town, you can also visit the church of Notre-Dame du Vieux-Pouzauges, with its 12th-century murals, and the twin windmills of Terrier-Marteau, which have preserved their working mechanism and still produce flour today.

An investigation game is also available to help you discover the town in a different way throughout the year. Available from the Tourist Office (€20).

Guided tours of the town in season. Departure from the Tourist Office. Booking recommended.