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Richard the Lionheart, who gave his name to the city’s keep, couldn’t have defended Niort better than we could have: in his latest book “Serotonin,” Michel Houellebecq describes the capital of Deux-Sèvres as “one of the ugliest cities I have ever seen.” False, and we’ll explain why Niort is well worth a visit.
Ultimately, perhaps we should thank the famous French writer Michel Houellebecq for mentioning Niort with such little tact. Because his words made us want to take a trip to Niort, a pleasant city in the heart of Deux-Sèvres, the capital of mutual insurance companies, located less than an hour from the Charente-Maritime coast. And it’s safe to say we can find great pleasure in visiting the city and its surroundings. The latest Michelin Green Guide gives the city a one-star rating, which is already a good start!
Niort: Between Historical Heritage and Preserved Nature
Indeed, upon arriving in the city center, we immediately notice the richness of the local architecture. All eras are represented, adding character to the whole. Extensive renovation work has rehabilitated the city center, transforming it into a peaceful living space, much like the Place de la Brèche, a true “green lung” of the city. And when it comes to greenery, Niort has plenty. As the gateway to the Green Venice, the city has long boasted a 2km “Green Corridor” along the Sèvre Niortaise, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
A symbol of the city’s glorious past, the Keep, built in the 12th century by Henry II Plantagenet, is a magnificent remnant of the period’s fortified castle, later completed by Richard the Lionheart. Its massive appearance is as surprising as it is captivating. It is one of the best-preserved keeps in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, on par with that of Pons in Saintonge. Right next door are the city’s covered markets, where you can sample many traditional products from Deux-Sèvres: goat cheeses, angelica, eels, tourteau (a local cake)…
Niort is also famous for its artisans and creators, serving as a regional hub for arts and crafts. Other sites worth visiting include the Pilori or the Agesci Museum…
The Gateway to the Marais Poitevin
Niort is also, and above all, the gateway to the Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park, a unique natural area in Europe that is well worth a visit. In a preserved setting, the “Green Venice” welcomes those seeking peace and disconnection. Whether on foot, by bike, or by boat, the park, spanning three departments (Vendée, Deux-Sèvres, Charente-Maritime), amazes every passing tourist, as well as locals who enjoy the area on weekends.
Finally, to overlook Niort is also to overlook Deux-Sèvres, a rural department that offers a wealth of exceptional sites, far from mass tourism. Architecture enthusiasts will be delighted by sites such as the incredible Royal Abbey of Celles-sur-Belle, the magnificent Château de Javarzay in Chef-Boutonne, the mystical Tumulus de Bougon, or a little further afield, the authentic fortified town of Bressuire.
Nature lovers will also find plenty to enjoy with numerous hiking opportunities, such as in the Chizé forest, home to the “Zoodysée” animal park.
To top it all off, Niort residents benefit from an advantageous geographical position, placing them less than an hour’s drive from the ocean and the Charente-Maritime coast. Convinced by Niort? For us, it’s a big YES.
