Haims: Church Art, Templar History and Landscape

Haims brings together historic buildings and local traditions with its landscapes. Highlights include the Église Saint-Michel, the Tour de la commanderie, the legend of the Carnaval des Chats, and the Brandes de la Pierre-La between Haims and Journet. A moderately challenging circular cycling route also runs through valleys and heathland, taking in buildings decorated with paintings.

Church and monumental paintings

The Église Saint-Michel dates back to the 11th century and has undergone extensive alterations over time. Its monumental paintings are located on the nave vault, spanning three bays, as well as on the back of the façade. A bay is a section of the nave’s spatial division; the reference to three bays therefore describes how far the paintings extend along the vault. Two aspects are therefore useful when considering the church: the age of the building and its later alterations, on the one hand, and the precisely specified location of the paintings, on the other.

Templar complex and former parish

The Tour de la commanderie is the only surviving remnant of a large complex built by the Templars in Haims. In the 12th century, this complex comprised agricultural buildings, a residential building and a chapel. The Château de Thenet is located within the boundaries of the former parish of Thenet, also known as Anthenet, which was incorporated into Haims in 1820. For a clear sense of the chronology, it is useful to keep these details distinct: the 12th century refers to the components of the Templar complex, while 1820 refers to the incorporation of the parish.

Cross, routes and local legend

The Croix des Pagenauds is also known by another name: croix Chadrat. It lies near the village of the same name and is dated 1839. The route network around Antigny, Haims and Jouhet comprises twelve loops. The year refers to the cross, while the twelve loops refer to the route network. Another cultural trace is the legend of the Carnaval des Chats: according to the legend, cats often gather at a crossroads or by a cross on Mardi Gras to celebrate their carnival.

Brandes de la Pierre-La and circular cycling route

Between Haims and Journet lie the Brandes de la Pierre-La, a protected Natura 2000 site. The area is a mosaic of heathland, forests, grasslands, pools and ponds. The moderately challenging “Vallée des fresques et brandes” circular cycling route runs through valleys and heathland, taking in painted chapels, churches and castles. When choosing what to focus on, you can consider the landscape as a mosaic of different habitats, or focus on the circular route and its combination of valleys, heathland and buildings decorated with paintings.

Educational programs at Chökhor Ling

At Chökhor Ling, educational programs and opportunities for exchange are open to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. As dates may change, check the latest schedule before making plans.

Discover more destinations: La Puye, Saint-Pierre-De-Maillé, Usseau, Moulismes, La Bussière, Mouterre-Silly, Blanzay, Nalliers

See the broader travel overview: Vienne.