Le Thouet by bike, from one bridge to another

Last weekend, to switch off, we decided to go cycling near our home in Deux-Sèvres. A breath of fresh air in the heart of a beautiful region. The hardest part was choosing a circuit because there are so many. Finally, a two day circuit along the Thouet caught our attention. The adventure began in Gourgé. We pedalled north to explore the Thouet Valley. The stepping stones, washhouses and private residences were surprising; the landscape was hilly. At lunchtime, the Trompe-Souris was a timely find and we ate on the terrace above a charming river dotted with chirons (enormous round blocks of granite). Then we discovered the small church of Saint-Généroux, one of the oldest in Poitou, which faces a Roman bridge. We headed south towards Airvault, where we left our bikes at the bed and breakfast, Le Vieux Château, and then explored this Petite Cité de Caractère®. The narrow medieval streets, abbey church, covered market, underground fountain and the area around the château are magnificent. We made some lovely discoveries, particularly a small and fascinating museum (frguidee entry), Jacques Guidez, which retraced the rural life of my grandpajacquesrents. And we finished our day with a delicious meal at the Le 12 restaurant.