Niort and Parc naturel régional
Niort and its historic heritage
Apart from being the French capital of mutual insurance companies, Niort benefits from an exceptional way of life at the heart of the Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park. Because of its careful attention to biodiversity and eco-friendly management of public spaces, Niort was named French capital of Biodiversity 2013.
There’s no doubt about it : Niort is a great place to live. The town has carefully combined urban planning and green spaces, much to the delight of nature lovers ! In addition, the River Sèvre Niortaise is never far away : it is very easy to go for a walk along the river bank or in the town’s parks.
Niort has plenty to interest heritage and art enthusiasts. Historical listed buildings include the Keep, Church of Notre Dame, Pilori and Centre Duguesclin, the former cavalry barracks. The local authority has applied for the area to become an ‘Art and History District’ because of its many artistic professions.
True to the idea of offering green spaces at the heart of the town, the Jardins de la Brèche gardens blend in harmoniously with the surrounding urban landscape. A major trading site in the 18th century, it is a lovely place for walks and picnics. There is a children’s play park and a 500m² area with slides and sunken trampolines built on mounds of synthetic grass.
Stroll through the medieval centre and soak up the lovely atmosphere. From the top of the Donjon Aliénor d’Aquitaine there are fine panoramic views of the town. This magnificent Romanesque keep is the last remaining vestige of a once vast castle. Inside there is a heritage interpretation centre featuring a fascinating diversity of media.
What to see in Niort ?
The Musée Bernard d’Agesci prides itself on being one of the largest museums of the Centre-West region. It has some artistic gems in its fine arts department and a superb natural history collection.
The Halles de Niort (indoor market), is a Baltard-style construction of steel and glass built in 1869. It is the venue for a very colourful market on Thursdays and Saturday mornings.
The ‘Art and History Town’ gives top billing to artistic professions. Don’t hesitate to look around the many shops and the showcase at 36 Quais des Arts underneath the Halles.
The Pilori, on the edge of the historic district and once the Hôtel de Ville (town hall), now houses temporary exhibitions.
Among the essential festivals are « Regard Noir » (detective fiction), « Nouvelle Scène » (music) and Festival Takavoir (new technology).
What to do near Niort?
Walk, cycle or go horse riding along the Coulée Verte beside the Sèvre Niortaise. A 53km circular trail of old country paths runs all around the outside of Niort across plains, wooded countryside and marshland.
The Château de Coudray-Salbart is a 12th century medieval fortress at Echiré and a venue for events and activities throughout the year.
Niort is in the south of Deux-Sèvres, a 50 minute drive from La Rochelle (64km) and the Atlantic coast.
It is at the intersection of 2 autoroutes : A10 (Paris-Bordeaux) and A83 (Nantes Bordeaux), 50 minutes from Poitiers (76km), 1½ hours from Nantes (144km), 1¾ hours from Bordeaux (185km), 3¾ hours from Paris (409km).
Discover Deux-Sèvres with Gites de France Deux-Sèvres : Boat trips on the Marais Poitevin, Parthenay, Château d'Oiron.
