Moncontour: The Keep, Riverside Trails and Activities at the Lake

Moncontour offers different starting points for planning a trip: the keep and its historic complex, trails along the Dive, and activities at Lac du Gué du Magne. When choosing your outings, you can consider whether architectural history, walks or activities on the water are more important for your trip.

The Keep and Historic Building Styles

The Donjon de Moncontour is a former fortress that Foulques Nerra had built around 1040. The Romanesque keep was altered in the 14th century. The Château et église Notre-Dame complex includes the remains of the castle and church, dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, which stand around the keep. The painted decoration dates from the same period. The complex thus brings together the history of the fortress and later phases of construction and decoration.

As part of restoration work, the roof of the keep was reconstructed; a staircase was also built into the thickness of the walls. The roof reflects the restoration, while the staircase is a specific feature within the masonry. There is a panoramic view from the top. Check the current access arrangements before your visit.

In Ouzilly-Vignolles, there are earthen houses that probably date back as far as the 12th century. They were built using rammed-earth construction, known as bauge. The dating is considered probable. As an architectural comparison, the focus here is on building with earth, whereas the keep complex is defined by the fortress, the castle and church remains, and the painted decoration.

Trails along the Dive and Activities at the Lake

The Sente Divine comprises several marked footpaths along the Dive. Trails start, among other places, in Sauzeau, Saint-Chartres and Moncontour; they are freely accessible. As trail conditions can change, it is a good idea to check them before setting out. The Sentier des Lavoirs is a designated walking trail in a green setting along the Dive. Moncontour also has washhouses, parks and historic stone features. The Sente Divine trails and the walk along the Sentier des Lavoirs therefore offer different options to consider when planning your trip.

Moncontour Active Park is located at Lac du Gué du Magne, a 10-hectare lake. Facilities and activities include a beach, canoeing, mini golf, a water slide, stand-up paddleboarding and beach volleyball. The season and the availability of individual activities may vary; check in advance what is on offer during your visit.

Téléski Nautique de Moncontour is also located at Lac du Gué du Magne. It offers wakeboarding, wakeskating and kneeboarding on an electrically powered cable circuit. While Active Park combines several beach and leisure activities, Téléski focuses on these three water sports and the cable system. Seasonal opening may change; check before making plans.

Visits and Other Activities

The Tèrra Aventura treasure hunt, La Grande Buée, is free and open to everyone; it can be done on foot. Check access before your trip. Logis Terra-villa can also be visited, but by appointment. When arranging a time, ask whether a self-guided or guided option is available for your visit.

Discover more destinations: Maisonneuve, Moussac, Naintré, Gençay, Saint-Jean-De-Sauves, Ceaux-En-Loudun, Curçay-Sur-Dive, Journet

For the regional travel overview: Vienne.