Fontenay-le-comte Attractions

Fontenay-le-Comte has attractions  both within the town and also close by.
It is the gateway to the Marais Poitevin (green Venice) and to the Mervent/Vouvant Forest, the town is listed as one of the "Plus Beau Detours de France" and is proud of its title "Ville d'art et d'histoire".
The town has over a thousand years of history and from the Renaissance has embraced the arts. It is therefore not surprising that this small town has so many differing attractions. The tourist board has produced a map of Fontenay with both the attractions and the suggested 1000 years of history walk this will help you find your way around this old and interesting part of town. On your walk make sure to take in the Jardins (gardens) de Cordelier, which are behind the Hotel de Ville (town Hall), besides the very attractive gardens take note of the interesting way they have contrasted the old building with its ultra-modern extension.

Apart from the historic interest of the old town and its treasure of architectural buildings including several medieval wood framed houses and the renaissance chateau of Terre Neuve, Fontenay-le-Comte offers a wealth of attractions which include cultural events like the annual "ricochets". These take place from Mid July to mid August when there is free street entertainment and workshops throughout the town.
Sporting attractions are not forgotten as Fontenay prides itself on being the Ville plus sportive et Art de France, (the most sporting and artistic town in France) from regular Football and rugby matches in the winter, in the summer cycling, tennis swimming and equestrian events are held this along with its many other sporting facilities including an excellent indoor and outdoor swimming pool complex, in fact just about every sporting need is catered for.

For those who just want to relax, do a little shopping, stop off at a road side cafe and take in the atmosphere or have a meal in one of the towns many and varied restaurants then you will find that this town admirably caters for your needs.

Swimming Pools.  Oceanide. Rue du Guingalet. Tel. 02 51 00 05 21
                               Modern complex with Toboggan & Sauna.

The map below shows the area immediately around Fontenay-le-Comte and the different attractions to be found there. There are links from the map for more detailed information.


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