Discover Lavausseau

Several distinct themes come together for a stay in Lavausseau: the stained-glass windows of Saint-Rémi Church, traces of the Knights Templar and the Hospitallers, and the history of tanning along the Boivre. The “Fours à Chaux” hiking loop adds a longer walking option to this local history. You can focus on individual historical details or spend time on foot in the countryside.

Stained-glass windows in Saint-Rémi

Saint-Rémi Church has both traditional and more modern stained-glass windows. The central window depicts Saint Remigius and was donated by the Bishop of Poitiers in 1871. The church brings together a clearly identified subject and a range of window designs. For those interested in art history, this combination of a saintly subject, a donor and different stained-glass styles offers a specific point of interest.

Traces of the Knights Templar and Hospitallers

The medieval history includes the former commandery of the Order of the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem. It was built as a fortress in the 12th century. A carved fireplace from the former dormitory of the commandery’s monks is listed in the supplementary register of historic monuments. The former fortress function and a surviving furnishing detail from the dormitory thus stand as two distinct traces of the commandery.

In the town centre, the Maison des Templiers adds another dimension. The house at 8 Grand’rue dates from the time of the Knights Templar; the commandery’s coats of arms, carved in stone, remain above the door. In Lavausseau, you can encounter two distinct connections with religious orders: the Templar era at the Maison des Templiers and the Hospitallers at the former commandery.

The history of tanning along the Boivre

Tanning was practised early on along the banks of the Boivre near Lavausseau; the first written record of this activity dates from 1600. This year marks the written record, not the beginning of tanning. The GRP Vouillé la Bataille long-distance trail leads to the Cité des Tanneurs in Lavausseau. There, you can visit the last tannery still in operation in the Vienne département. The preserved tanning pits are part of the guided tour of the Cité des Tanneurs; visits are subject to local access arrangements. The pits are not currently specially developed for visitors.

Hiking the Fours à Chaux loop

For hikers, the “Fours à Chaux” loop offers a longer option: it is 20 kilometres long and takes approximately five hours on foot. Shortcuts are possible, so a shorter version is also an option. The “Fours à Chaux” loop passes through bocage countryside with hedgerows that are partly centuries old. The Boivre is also a feature of the landscape in Lavausseau. You can include Lavausseau and its tannery in your hike. For planning purposes, the approximate five-hour estimate applies to the full loop; the possible shortcuts allow you to choose a shorter route. Check local route information before setting out, as route details may change.

Discover more destinations: Marigny-Brizay, Béruges, Saint-Germain, Mirebeau, Berthegon, La Roche-Posay, Bournand, Ranton

For the broader travel overview: Vienne.