Aigles au dessus de Chauvigny
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Chauvigny’s medieval citadel

Medieval citadel & modern-day Escape Game

On the Scandibérique between Châtellerault and Lussac-les-Châteaux, Chauvigny’s imposing medieval citadel dominating the lower town makes for a memorable cultural stop. No fewer than five châteaux once stood here side by side; now, the remnants of just three remain. At the end of the promontory, the Château des Evêques de Poitiers, a medieval bishops’ residence, once boasted two keeps; at the Revolution, locals exploited these for their stone, much diminishing them. Now transformed into an atmospheric amphitheatre, this place hosts entertaining falconry shows. 


Restored in the 1990s, the Gouzon Keep dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Today, its four storeys house a museum of industrial archaeology. The top level, 25 metres in height, affords excellent views over the collegiate church of St Peter’s and Chauvigny’s riverside quarter by the Vienne. The last of the remaining trio of castles, the Château d’Harcourt, takes its name from an illustrious Normandy family. Rebuilt in the 13th century for Jean II d'Harcourt, this is the best-preserved of Chauvigny’s châteaux. Several times a year, at the heart of the château, you can take part in an Escape Game – your family will be struck down with leprosy and has to find the cure!

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Châtellerault / Lussac-les-Châteaux

28 Châtellerault / Lussac-les-Châteaux

58 km
3 h 50 min
I cycle often
Châtellerault boasts an impressive historical legacy and on a stopover here you can even discover its industrial heritage. As well as the charming town centre where the fully restored Italian-style Blossac Theatre stands out alongside Renaissance-style monuments, the former arms factory, with its two imposing brick chimneys, also grabs visitors’ attention. Continuing along the Scandibérique, many surprises await, notably at Vouneuil-sur-Vienne, with Le Pinail Nature Reserve, or then at Chauvigny, its medieval centre rising from its rocky outcrop. Lastly comes Lussac-les-Châteaux and the five mighty pillars of the former drawbridge to its single château!
Lussac-les-Châteaux / Confolens

29 Lussac-les-Châteaux / Confolens

53 km
3 h 31 min
I cycle often
From Lussac-les-Châteaux to Availles-Limouzine, the Scandibérique follows small, bucolic roads with little traffic. The rolling plains start to have more pronounced slopes, meaning you have to make more physical effort, plus the landscapes will take your breath away! Look out for spots beside the Vienne from which you can go bathing in the river for a refreshing break. The majestic viaduct at L’Isle-Jourdain takes you across the river, which you then leave behind, riding on to Availles Limouzine. The art works scattered around the Château de Lessac are bound to leave you thinking. At the town of Confolens, give your ‘pins’ a break by taking the little tourist train!