Thouars: Château, Museums and Wine

Thouars combines a striking setting on the Thouet with a rich architectural and museum history. The town developed on a rocky promontory in a bend of the Thouet. This setting provides the backdrop for a stay that can be tailored to different interests: the Château des ducs de la Trémoïlle, museum collections, and guided tours of the town and its monuments offer different ways to explore the area. Add wine experiences in the Thouarsais and the opportunity to get out on the water. You can therefore include culture, history and activities on the water when planning your stay.

The Château’s history and seasonal visits

The Château des ducs de la Trémoïlle was rebuilt from 1628 to 1660 and restored in the 1990s. The Château is open for visits from May to September. Check the town’s seasonal information before your trip if you plan to visit the château.

Two museums, different areas of focus

The Musée Henri Barré is housed in a town mansion built by Dr. Henri Barré in 1862. Its collections include French and foreign faience, fine art, furniture, archaeology and ethnology. The Centre Régional Résistance & Liberté offers a different focus: located in the former stables of the Château de Thouars, it presents the history of the Second World War and the regional resistance movement. The diversity of the collections and the interpretation of contemporary history thus provide two distinct themes for museum visits.

Guided tours and location-based information

Guided tours of Thouars and its monuments are led by guides from the town’s Service Architecture et Patrimoine; dates vary by season. The “Visite Patrimoine” app offers a different way to explore the area. It uses geolocation to display historical, architectural and natural features, as well as information about museum collections, at the relevant attractions. While a guided tour is led by a guide, the app displays location-based content at attractions.

Wine and activities in the Thouarsais

More than twenty winegrowers are now based in the Thouarsais; many welcome the public and offer wine tastings and tours of their estates. The Route des Vins Thouarsais is about 50 km long and provides a regional framework for planning wine-related activities. Check the route before setting out. For wine tastings and estate visits, contact the wineries in advance to find out whether and when they welcome visitors.

At the Base nautique des Ursulines, you can get out on the water and enjoy views of the Château des Ducs de la Trémoïlle. Check availability before your visit. This activity offers a different focus from the museums and guided tours: the emphasis here is on being out on the water and the view of the Château.

Discover more destinations: Xaintray, Sainte-Soline, La Coudre, Mauléon, Maisonnay, Beaulieu-sous-Parthenay, Usseau, Bouillé-Loretz

For the overview of the wider region: Deux-Sèvres.