The capital of the Marais Poitevin and a Town of Art and Crafts, Niort is as attractive for its historic heritage as for its art of living. Behind its famous keep, built by Henry Plantagenet and Richard the Lionheart, lies a picturesque town centre with lively market halls, convivial terraces along the banks of the Sèvre, gourmet restaurants and microbreweries where you'll want to linger. Between the Brèche, a vast green setting, and the Port Boinot, a former wasteland reinvented as a creative hub, here are the must-sees and must-dos to make the most of the town.
1. The dungeon: Niort's emblematic monument
A true emblem of Niort, the double keep is one of the rare remains of the medieval town. Built between 1160 and 1175 by Henry II Plantagenet and his son Richard the Lionheart, it formed the heart of a vast 700-metre wall flanked by a dozen towers, which was destroyed in 1817. The two imposing keeps, reinforced with solid turrets and hemi-cylindrical buttresses, are linked by a main building added in the XIVᵉ century. Today, the monument houses the Musée du Donjon, which features a permanent exhibition entitled 1000 ans d'histoire (1000 years of history).
Petit Futé tip: Don't hesitate to climb onto the terrace from where you'll have a great view of the town and the Sèvre.
2. Enter Notre-Dame church
According to legend, Mélusine left one of her masterpieces unfinished when she was caught working on it and forgot to lay the last stone. Built in the flamboyant Gothic style and topped by a 75-metre spire, Notre-Dame de Niort is the tallest monument in the Deux-Sèvres region. The church has several remarkable features: the marble tombs of the Baudéan-Parabère family (17th century), the copper epitaph by Françoise Tiraqueau (17th century), two paintings by Lattainville (18th century) anda Descent from the Cross painted by Bernard d'Agesci in 1810.
3. What to do in Niort Discover the town in... 80 minutes (not days!)
We've all heard of going around the world in eighty days, but now the Niort Tourist Office is offering you a tour of the town... in eighty minutes! This 2km urban walk takes in the city's most emblematic monuments, from the dungeon to the Logis de l'Hercule, from the Halles Baltard to the birthplace of Madame de Maintenon. In all, there are fourteen stops along the way, allowing you to retrace nine centuries of Niort's history at your own pace.
4. Stroll along the banks of the Sèvre on La Coulée Verte
The Coulée Verte stretches for 11 km along the Sèvre, from Niort to Magné, between the quays of La Regratterie (4 km) and a pleasant sandy path. It's an ideal opportunity to stroll along the wild meandering river and meadows, passing through La Roussille, the largest of Niort's nine locks and the magical home of the eponymous inn. Along the way, you can see the remains of the chamoiseurs of yesteryear: mooring posts and sloping landings.
Worth knowing: The Coulée Verte is also the setting for a 7km half-marathon every October, bringing together 5,000 runners, 15,000 spectators and a cascade of orchestras to liven up the event.
5. Visit the Bernard d'Agesci museum
The Bernard d'Agesci museum in Niort has three main sections: a fine arts collection(paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, etc.), a natural history collection (ornithology, geology, regional heritage) andan education conservatory, which displays school furniture and objects, scientific instruments, maps, books and films retracing 150 years of the history of education. During the holidays, children are invited to discover this veritable cabinet of curiosities on a fun tour, followed by a creative workshop and a snack.
Good to know: Admission to the museum is free on the first Sunday of every month.
6. Stroll around the market in Les Halles
Niort's Halles is a lively indoor market held every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Inaugurated in 1871 and inspired by the Parisian halles at Nogent-sur-Marne, they are in the Baltard style, combining cast iron, glass and steel. The figures of Ceres and Mercury on the pediment symbolise the alliance between agriculture and commerce. A real gourmet heart of the town, the market offers a wide choice of local produce: meat, poultry, fish, fruit and vegetables from market gardeners, etc. On Saturday mornings, the atmosphere is particularly friendly, with colours, scents and flavours, ideal for shopping before enjoying a cup of coffee on the terrace facing the covered market.
7. What to do in Niort Discover the varied and often surprising exhibitions at Le Pilori
In the heart of old Niort, at the intersection of Rue Yvers and Rue Mathurin Berthomé, stands Le Pilori, an exhibition venue run by the city. Built in the XVIᵉ century in the Renaissance style, this building served for a long time as the town hall. Today, the Pilori hosts visual arts exhibitions throughout the year, offering carte blanche to professional artists - painters, sculptors, photographers... On site, the artists or mediators are systematically present to guide and welcome visitors.
8. Discover the culture of the Niort region at Le Chey
Bought by the town council and entrusted to the Association du Chaleuil du Pays niortais to help visitors discover its heritage, the Chey farm comprises a farmhouse, a stable and a sheepfold. Throughout the season, it offers a wide range of activities and events celebrating local traditions: crafts, a farmers' market, picnic areas and organic meals, exhibitions, shows, a merry-go-round, children's workshops, music and animals. All year round, you can alsolearn traditional dances, basketry, embroidery, sewing, weaving and frame tapestry, or take part in the maintenance and restoration of this magnificent building thanks to a technical workshop.
Where to stay in Niort?
Whether you're passing through for a day or a longer stay, Niort offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. From charming family-run hotels and self-catering flats to friendly guest houses and budget options, there's an ideal base for exploring the town, strolling through the historic centre, discovering the Marais Poitevin or taking advantage of the terraces on the banks of the river Sèvre.
- Benefits: Chambres d'Hôtes Maison La Porte Rouge
Bookable herethis magnificent early 20th-century town house is just a stone's throw from Niort's historic centre. The five bedrooms, each in its own style, are comfortable and incredibly well decorated, and the two studios are full of charm. This guest house is a cut above many three-star hotels in every respect! Veronique and Thierry have made this house a peaceful and pleasant place to stay. The swimming pool and fitness room are available to guests in season. The welcome is warm.
- One of the city's finest hotels: Hôtel Particulier - La Chamoiserie
Situated just a stone's throw from the banks of the Sèvre, in the heart of the historic centre of Niort, this private hotel.., bookable hereis one of the city's most beautiful hotels. A former turn-of-the-century residence, La Chamoiserie is full of charm, with a decor that is both refined and sober . It offers a warm welcome and an excellent breakfast. You can relax in the lovely shady city garden with its wooden terrace.
- The plus: Hôtel Mercure Niort Marais Poitevin
This city centre Mercure is fun, bookable herewhich does not open directly onto the street. A small passageway leads us into a corner of urban nature dotted with tall treeswhere the hotel is located. We really liked the outdoor swimming pool and fitness room. After a day of sightseeing, head to the hotel restaurant for a taste of contemporary cuisine.
