History and nature

Depart from the town of Montmorillon, latitude 46.4256400 (N 46° 25’ 32”), longitude 0.8683500 (E 0° 52’ 6”)

This small town houses in its streets a group of artisans around the professions of writing and books. To visit the city of writing, ask for the pedestrian circuit at the Tourist Office which will take you on a walk through the medieval streets of the city.

Built in the Romanesque period, it has been very reworked. The bell tower is the oldest part. The interior, very sober, houses some capitals, a plate with inscription of 1433 recalling the construction of a chapel of which only a few vestiges remain in the vault, and especially a Pieta in polychrome limestone of the 15th century, object of fervent devotions.

Mentioned in the fifteenth century, Ouzilly is one of the many fiefs that belonged to the barony of Montmorillon. The current castle, restored in the 19th century, is very imposing with its L-shaped plan and its pepper towers. This private castle can not be visited, thank you to respect the private property.

Located near the small village of Marchain, you can access it by asking the authorization to the farmer of the village of Marchain: Mr Mallet.
In granite blocks, it has a triangular cover supported by three orthostats that delimit a funerary chamber of 1.80 by 1.50 meters. The dolmen was used as a collective burial. Originally, this dolmen was covered with stones and earth to form an artificial mound called tumulus. An entrance allowed access to place the dead. Eroded by the weather and the rain, the mound deteriorated and only the largest stones remained.

Twelfth, thirteenth century. It is distinguished by its octagonal bell tower resting on a square base, resulting from a limousine inspiration. At the entrance to the choir, there are two Roman capitals that have preserved traces of polychromy.

Attached in 1973 to Lathus, Saint-Rémy shelters a church of the 19th century. which replaces a building much older but in too bad condition to be preserved. Outside, the octagonal baptismal font (15th century) is a remnant of the old church.
In the church, you should notice the statue of Saint Roch. In polychrome chestnut wood of the fifteenth century, it has attracted since that time many pilgrims came to seek the cure of contagious diseases or children nervous. The ribbons attached to the statue are a testimony of gratitude left by these pilgrims. This cult is still practiced. Outside, the small fountain was considered miraculous and was part of the pilgrimage. The country has published a document on "travels" and pilgrimages that you can leaf through by copying this link: http: //issuu.com/tourism- Montmorillonnais / docs / let you tell them-travel / 1? mode = window

Park your car and follow the signs to follow the path that will take you to Saut de la Brame. This small river joins the Gartempe. The confluence is preceded by a waterfall in a very wild and picturesque environment that inspired many painters. (ATTENTION: the access path to the waterfall is "sporty", and difficult, put on well). Count at least 1:30 for the round trip.

From the castle of Lenest (14th and 15th century), there are some remains: a central square of three floors, confined by four turrets, is supported on a wall. Some doors, chimneys, window frames, remains of painted decorations testify to the richness of this ensemble whose medieval buildings have now become agricultural buildings.

Note the old buildings of the Brewery of Montmorillon where, until 1963, a famous beer was produced even abroad.
The site of the ecomuseum, the previous stage has showcases and an exhibition dedicated to the old brewery.

Hikes & walks in Montmorillon