St Maixent l’École is a small city within the Deux-Sèvres area of Nouvelle Aquitaine (about 1 ½ hrs drive from La Rochelle). However for a small city, it packs fairly a cultural punch!
The city was based in 459 by a monk, Agapit and initially known as Saint Saturnin. Maixent, a fellow monk, got here to the city in 480. Through the Wars of Faith between 1562 to 1598, St. Maixent marked the border between the Protestant / Huguenots strongholds to the west and the Catholics to the east. At this stage in its historical past, the city was a bustling centre producing material, leather-based and mustard. Nowadays, it’s a city with some stunning structure and an enchanting previous, and it’s properly value a day spent exploring.
Stepping by the gates of time
When you arrive by way of the principle D611, you would possibly at first suppose St Maixent is a slightly unremarkable city however flip off the highway by way of the majestic Porte Chalon and the city begins to disclose itself. Porte Chalon was constructed within the 18th century to switch the previous gates into the fortified a part of the city and as an entrance, it’s surprisingly grand.
When you’ve parked (there may be parking on Rue de la Marne), begin with a fast go to to the Vacationer Workplace (stroll down the principle highway west to east – Avenue Gambetta and Rue Denfert Rochereau which run parallel – and also you’ll see the vacationer workplace in your proper). They’ve some helpful info together with a map with the principle points of interest marked. Look out for the English cellphone field as you head off to discover which signifies the cities twinning with the English market city of Horsham.
The Abbey
The inescapable central level of St Maixent is the Abbey which was constructed after the demise of St Maixent (c 515). In 653, Léger was appointed abbot of the monastery. The monks left when the Normans arrived however later returned and the city was fortified. The Abbey was rebuilt in Romanesque and Gothic kinds and is open to the general public. It was declared a Royal Abbey in 1204.
The Abbey spire stands proud over the city however as soon as inside, there may be a formidable nave and in addition to a 17th century display, an enormous pulpit, cloisters and the crypt with the empty 6th and seventh century tombs of St. Maixent and St. Leger. The church of St Léger reverse the Abbey was in-built 7th century however was closed within the 17th century and never rediscovered for 200 hundred years.
From the top of the 19th century proper as much as 2011, the Abbey was additionally house to navy barracks, and you’ll go to the Non-Commissioned Officers Museum within the Marchand Quarter. It has a group of uniforms, weapons and decorations. There’s something slightly haunting in regards to the huge barracks and the empty sq. and archway behind the Abbey and you’ll nearly hear the marching of troopers from the totally different wars that after raged in and across the city.
Exploring the city
When you’ve visited the Abbey, it’s time to discover the remainder of the city. It’s a fairly city with cobbled streets, historic half-timber homes leaning tiredly over the roads, grand limestone buildings shimmering within the warmth, fascinating doorways and gates, and shuttered home windows. It’s additionally a inexperienced city too with loads of wisteria, honeysuckle and bougainvillea dripping over its partitions. Though that is probably the most northern a part of southern France, you possibly can really feel a distinctly southern vibe and affect.
Make sure you climb one of many small slender footpaths that wind up Le Peux Saint Martin (a small hill) to the southwest of the city and look again throughout the panorama after which go in the hunt for fascinating buildings.
Mason de l’Apothicaire was in-built about 1442 and has an indication that claims Hic Valetudo which implies Well being Right here! Resort Balizy was in-built 1530 in Renaissance type and was once a courthouse. Apparently, Catherine de Medici as soon as visited.
Past the Abbey, you arrive on the Quai des Tanneries. Through the Center Ages, this was the guts of the city with a canal constructed by the monks that drove water to the Abbey mill and the tanneries. At the moment, it’s picturesque with slender canal aspect pathways and homes mirrored within the water. There are 4 little footbridges alongside the canal which take you to a wooded space. On the different finish, is a big, shaded park. When you’re visiting in the summertime, they’ve an ongoing programme of occasions that happen right here.
Time to mirror
If you’ve explored the city, you would possibly fancy a spot of procuring within the elegant Rue Chalon or lunch in one of many cafés and eating places there. Or head to the Place du Marché (Market Sq.) the place there’s a big indoor market and a cluster of cafés within the shade of the timber. There was a market held right here since 1469 and as we speak the market constructing constructed on the finish of the 19th century has a distinctly Parisien air.
The Haut Val de Sèvre
The realm surrounding the city is understood and the Haut Val de Sèvre and is a hilly panorama with a lot to find whether or not you need riverside walks, historical past (and even a 15th century Scottish fort) or to expertise one of many native festivals. The historic city of Niort is to the south west of St Maixent, while to the north is Parthenay an equally historic city and to the east is Poitiers, making St Maixent a superb base from which to discover the Deux Sevres.
by Lucy Pitts, journey author and editor of Sussex Unique
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