Saint-Aubin-le-Cloud is a commune in the Deux-Sèvres department, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, about ten kilometers west of Parthenay.
Its territory of nearly 42 km² falls within the natural region of Gâtine poitevine, which extends to the west towards the Monts de Vendée, and which is renowned for its landscaped bocages.
Crossed by the winding course of the Palace, the locality has a rural and verdant environment, composed of 65% cultivated land and 30% meadows.
The village appeared in the 12th century with the establishment of a priory dedicated to Saint Aubin, to which was added a cloister, which gave it its name.
Rather spared by the vicissitudes of history, always turned towards agriculture, the commune modernized at the start of the 1970s, even becoming a "pilot commune" (development of housing estates, establishment of service facilities and leisure activities, such as a swimming pool, and creation of a "sun village" for the elderly).
Nowadays, there are nearly 1900 inhabitants in Saint-Aubin-le-Cloud. Livestock farming and cheese production are the mainstays of the economy and green tourism in the heart of the bocages, hedgerows and moors is encouraged. In fact, between hiking and "nature" leisure, visitors and holidaymakers have a rich and varied offer.
In terms of heritage, if there is no longer any evidence of the priory which gave birth to the village, several sites nevertheless deserve attention. This is the case of the Saint-Blaise church which has the particularity of presenting a style similar to flamboyant Gothic with the exception of the bell tower, of Romanesque style (and therefore earlier). It is a synthesis born of successive alterations which ended in 1873 with the construction of the side naves and the addition of an apse illuminated by a large apse. The lines and the overall harmony make the church one of the most beautiful in the region, but the construction of a cement rose window on the upper part of the porch, at the beginning of the 20th century, probably prevented its entry in the Inventory.
The Château du Theil, on the other hand, is protected as a historical monument. It was built at the end of the 19th century on the foundations of a medieval dwelling. The architecture is inspired by the Renaissance (as was the fashion of the time), and some original elements have however been preserved: the upper parts have been completely taken over, and we observe that the west facade has been extended a false terrace, while a bridge with two arches was built to cross the moat. In addition, the interior layout has taken over that of the medieval dwelling, and the decorations have been treated (woodwork, door frames and granite staircase, etc.). A vast English-style park with ponds surrounds the building. The private property is unfortunately not open to visitors.
Elements of noble dwellings and mansions from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries (la Limouzinière, la Belinière, la Fraissonnière), the Satière mill (19th century), the covered wash house and the lantern of the dead from the 16th century are also to see on the commune (on the village or its deviations). Finally, fortified farms can mark walks in the surrounding countryside.
On the cultural side, the multipurpose room which can hold more than 500 spectators regularly hosts shows (concerts, theatre): information on +33 5 49 95 35 08. Cultural association activities are also scheduled at the Maison pour tous (contact on +33 5 49 95 35 08). 49 63 16 18) and meetings or readings are offered at the media library (join 0+33 4 90 09 23 33).
For athletes, a stadium, a skate park, a multi-sports ground are located in the town and accessible to visitors. In addition, the municipal swimming pool proves to be precious in all seasons: it has an indoor pool and an outdoor pool with areas dedicated to idleness. It is thus open every day in July and August. Information on +33 5 49 95 35 52.
Nearby, an artificial lake has been built. In addition to a campsite, there is a partly shaded relaxation area and games for children. Fishermen are also welcome there as they can also take advantage of the banks of the Palais river (find out about the regulations from the local association on +33 5 49 70 05 62).
The lake, the village and the banks of the Palace are goals for walks but are also included in the hiking trails traced on the territory of Saint-Aubin-le-Cloud itself. The Circuit des Moulins to the west (10 km), the Tour du Bourg (5.6 km) and the Voie verte du Theil to the east (7 km) are signposted.
Wider loops are possible, including incursions to Parthenay. In addition, for lovers of two-wheelers, note that the route "Le Thouet à vélo" which favors secure paths and lanes over 120 km, within bucolic landscapes, crosses the locality. A potential not to be overlooked...
Maps and information on hiking or cycling on +33 5 49 95 35 08 and +33 5 49 64 24 24.
