Saint-Aubin-le-Cloud: River Landscapes and Cultural Heritage

Saint-Aubin-le-Cloud lies on the winding banks of the Palais, a tributary of the Thouet. River landscapes, historic heritage and trails of varying lengths are among the themes you can use to guide your search for a hotel in the area. First, consider whether you would like to focus your stay on landscapes, architectural history or a particular trail length.

Landscapes Along the Palais and in Parc du Theil

The character of Saint-Aubin-le-Cloud also includes agricultural landscapes with hedgerows and heathland. The English-style landscape park Parc du Theil covers 200 hectares. Meadows and ponds make up one half, while deciduous woodland makes up the other. Since 1946, the park has been protected as a picturesque landscape site.

Historic Buildings and Their History

Château du Theil, its outbuildings and its immediate surroundings are listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. The château is mentioned in the “Cartulaire de l’Absie” in 1154. The year refers to this historical mention; the supplementary inventory listing covers the château, its outbuildings and its immediate surroundings.

The village’s covered washhouse near the Palais was built in 1922 and is an impluvium-type washhouse. Saint-Aubin Church also offers a tangible glimpse into architectural history: it is built in the Flamboyant Gothic style and has a cruciform floor plan. Construction work was completed in 1547; this date is inscribed on the keystone. The style classifies the architecture, while the floor plan describes the shape of the building. The inscribed date adds a clear reference to the completion of the work.

Guided tours of Parc du Theil are offered, covering the château, the fishpond, the walled kitchen garden and the woodland paths.

Compare Routes by Length and Points of Interest

The “Balade au fil de l’eau” hiking route starts at the church square and is 5.6 kilometres long. The Sentier du Palais is a shaded path that follows the Palais for about 900 metres. The Chemin des Cracottes connects the plan d’eau with La Vrignaudière on the D139 and is about 800 metres long. The Chemin des Loges is about 600 metres long and ends at the Palais.

The shorter paths range from about 600 to 900 metres in length; alongside them is the 5.6-kilometre hiking route. Their points of reference also differ: one path starts at the church square, while others follow the Palais, end there or connect the plan d’eau with La Vrignaudière. You can choose a route based on its length and its named starting point, course or destination.

Facilities for Visitors

At the three-hectare plan d’eau, visitors can use picnic tables, children’s play equipment and a city sports court. The outdoor facilities with reduced barriers for people with limited mobility include a fishing platform, paths and outdoor toilets. Check the current conditions before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Germond-Rouvre, Saint-Georges-De-Rex, Champdeniers-Saint-Denis, La Mothe-Saint-Héray, Échiré, Genneton, Chenay, Sepvret.

Go to the regional travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.