Beaulieu-sous-Parthenay: Church, châteaux and walking trails

Beaulieu-sous-Parthenay offers several points of interest to help plan your trip: marked walking trails, architectural history, a monthly market and a municipal wetland. This lets you explore the town according to different interests—whether you’re planning a hike, looking more closely at historic buildings or taking market day into account.

Walking trails and landscape

The green-marked N3 trail is 8 km long and described as an easy two-hour walk. It starts at the car park on Place des Cerisiers, next to the town hall, and follows the La Viette river along small shaded roads and sunken lanes. With a named starting point and details of the distance and duration, you can fit the walk into your day’s plans.

The blue-marked N4 trail is 8.1 km long, with a stated duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes. This easy walk passes through sunken lanes, woods and small shaded roads. Based on the stated figures, the N4 is 0.1 km longer than the N3 and is estimated to take 15 minutes more. Both trails include sunken lanes and small shaded roads; the N3 also follows the La Viette, while the N4 passes through woods. Check local trail conditions before setting out; the N4 markings may also change.

Church and listed châteaux

The Église Saint-Benoît has Romanesque origins dating to the late 11th century and was restored in 1643. Inside are several noteworthy capitals and a Saint Blaise dating from 1705. These dates mark different periods: the church’s early origins and a later restoration.

The Château de la Guyonnière is surrounded by moats and has four corner towers. It was listed as a historic monument by decree of 4 March 1986; the listing also covers the fireplaces and moats. The Château de la Meilleraye formed a quadrangle surrounded by water-filled moats. Only the cellars of its service buildings remain. The remains of the Château de la Meilleraye have been protected as a historic monument by decree of 18 March 1930. Their different features and decree dates help distinguish the two protected sites.

Market day and wetland

The Marché de Beaulieu is a farmers’ and craft market. It takes place on the first Friday of each month from 5 pm, under and around the market halls. If you’d like to visit the market during your stay, check the date for the specific month in advance.

A municipal wetland with biodiversity features was created opposite the town hall and school. These include a herb spiral, a willow hut and a diverse waterside hedge. The examples show different elements of the site, from the herb spiral and willow hut to the waterside hedge.

Discover more destinations: Pouffonds, Lezay, Moncoutant, Ménigoute, Gourgé, Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay, Paizay-Le-Chapt, Le Tallud.

For the broader travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.