Travel Guide Fontenay-Le-Comte

The architectural pearl of the Vendée, Fontenay-le-Comte boasts remarkable 16th-century facades that bear witness to the golden age of the Renaissance, earning it the label of "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" (the only town in the Vendée to hold this title). This "Renaissance town" is well worth a visit! It boasts a rich heritage, reflecting its former role as capital of the Lower Poitou region, mainly represented by Renaissance and 18th-century buildings, but also by curiosities from the Middle Ages and the 17th century. Take a stroll through the town, look up and admire the architectural treasures, such as the astonishing espalier arcaded houses on Place Belliard, the Renaissance buildings and townhouses, the timber-framed houses on Rue des Loges and the flamboyant Gothic Notre-Dame church. The most remarkable monuments are concentrated in the Notre-Dame district, also known as the upper town: picturesque alleyways - notably rue de la Harpe and rue Goupilleau - mansions and wealthy bourgeois or noble residences such as Maison Billaud, Hôtel de la Pérate, Hôtel de Grimouärd, Palais des Évêques, Palais de la Sénéchaussée and more. Another not-to-be-missed landmark and emblem of the town is the magnificent Quatre-Tias fountain, created in 1542 by an unknown artist. It is one of France's earliest examples of High Renaissance art. The green lung of the pretty Fontenais town, visit the Parc Baron, for a stroll or for its Parcabout with the kids.