The narrow streets of Pouzauges

Start from the Place de l’Église.

(S/E) Take the Venelle des Frères Friots, which leads down to the right of the church, and pass under the porch. Head down Rue du Guichet to the right.

(1) Turn left up Venelle La Noue, also known as Bras de Fer; then follow Rue du Docteur Barbanneau to the left, before turning right onto Rue de Tournis, just before the chemist’s. Cross Rue Fortuné Parenteau and continue straight ahead into Venelle Gilles de Rais.
(2) Turn left, cross Rue du Vieux Château and follow the path opposite which runs alongside the Château de Gilles de Rais on the left. Enjoy the magnificent view and turn left onto Rue du Bourg Belard. At the start of Rue de l’Aubépin (no. 43), turn right onto Venelle du Gripeau.
Cross Avenue des Moulins and take the small path opposite. After 20 metres, turn right and follow this small path to Route des Soriettes. Turn right to rejoin Avenue des Moulins and follow it to the right as far as No. 61.

(3) Turn left onto the Sente des Terrasses until you reach Rue du Bourg Belard. Walk up this street to the right until you reach No. 21, then take the street on the left to reach the Sentier des Douves du Vieux Château. Walk round it to the north, cross Rue du Vieux Château and head for the junction with Venelle Gilles de Rais.

(2) Turn left onto the small road leading to the car park, cross the car park and head down Rue du Haut Bourg on the right. Cross Rue Fortuné Parenteau and continue straight ahead along the Venelle du Pilori. When you reach Rue du Docteur Barbanneau, turn left, then take the path on the right, Venelle de Bourelle, at the corner of No. 8. Follow this path to Rue du Calvaire and head down this street on the right.

(1) Carry on straight ahead, then turn left into Venelle des Frères Friots, which runs behind the church.
Turn left into this alley to head down to the Esplanade Saint-Jacques (the venue for numerous exhibitions), then join Rue du Guichet. Turn right, then continue right along Rue Catherine de Thouars until you reach No. 13.

(4) Turn right into the small Venelle Alix de Pouzauges. At the top of this alley, cross the courtyard and return to your starting point, Place de l’Église (S/E).

The 11th-century Church of Saint-Jacques is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. It was remodelled during the 15th century.
The old castle at Pouzauges dates from the 12th century. It is a listed Historic Monument. It belonged to Catherine de Thouars, wife of Gilles de Rais, better known as Bluebeard. The keep is open to visitors from early July to mid-September each year. Access to the castle grounds is free and available all year round.