Things To Do
in Thouars
Thouars is a charming town located in western France, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It is known for its beautiful historical architecture, particularly the imposing Château of the Dukes of La Trémoille. The town is surrounded by picturesque countryside, with vineyards and rolling hills providing a tranquil setting.
Thouars also offers a variety of cultural events and activities, making it a delightful destination for visitors seeking a taste of French history and rural beauty.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Au revoir" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historical Château de Thouars. Enjoy a peaceful stroll within its gardens, soaking in the rich cultural heritage.
Indulge in a lunch at a local café, then explore the cobblestone streets of the old town. Check out local artisan shops for unique souvenirs.
Savor a delicious dinner at a traditional French restaurant. Take a leisurely walk along the Thouaret riverbank to enjoy the scenic views.
Visit a local vineyard for a morning wine tasting and learn about the winemaking process. Sample various regional wines while enjoying the surrounding landscapes.
Have a picnic lunch among the vines, then take a vineyard tour for an in-depth experience. Capture beautiful photos of the picturesque scenery.
Head back to Thouars and dine at a bistro that specializes in wine pairings. Spend the night enjoying some local music at a nearby venue.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical heritage with beautiful architecture.
- Beautiful natural surroundings, including parks and rivers.
- A friendly community with a relaxed lifestyle.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger French cities.
- Access to local markets with fresh produce and artisanal goods.
- Limited job opportunities, especially for highly skilled professionals.
- Public transportation options may be limited.
- Fewer cultural amenities and entertainment venues compared to larger cities.
- Bureaucratic challenges that can be frustrating for newcomers.
- Potential language barrier for non-French speakers.
Best Activities in Thouars
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the historic Château de Thouars and its beautiful gardens. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the grounds, which offer stunning views of the surrounding area and opportunities for photography.
Take a hike or nature walk through the Thouarsais Forest. The trails provide a chance to experience local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Cycle along the Voie Verte, a dedicated cycling path that takes you through picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and along riverside routes.
Spend a day at Parc de la Loire, where you can picnic, play sports, or simply relax by the riverside while enjoying the natural beauty of the Loire region.
Try your hand at fishing in the River Thouet. The river offers a peaceful environment and a chance to catch local fish species.
Experience thrill by taking a hot air balloon ride over the beautiful landscapes surrounding Thouars, offering breathtaking views and a unique perspective of the area.
Places to Visit in Thouars
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic castle offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, ideal for capturing stunning photos of the architecture and the picturesque valley.
Beautiful gardens with a variety of plants and flowers, providing an excellent backdrop for photography, especially in spring and summer.
The main square in Thouars where you can find charming architecture and bustling local life, perfect for street photography and capturing the essence of the town.
An old bridge that offers scenic views of the river and the town, great for landscape photography, particularly at sunset.
This beautiful church features stunning gothic architecture and intricate details, providing great opportunities for architectural photography.
Food in Thouars
Thouars Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fouaces are delicious bread rolls traditional to Thouars, usually baked in wood-fired ovens. They can be enjoyed plain or filled with local ingredients like cheese, ham, or rillettes.
Must-Try!
A must-try local dessert, tourteau fromagé is a unique cheesecake made with goat cheese and often flavored with rum or citrus zest. Its distinctive burnt top adds to its charm.
This regional specialty is an apéritif made from a blend of unfermented apple juice and Calvados (apple brandy), resulting in a sweet and flavorful drink that captures the essence of the region.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Marché de Thouars is a vibrant market where you can find an array of fresh produce, local cheeses, and artisanal foods. It's an ideal place to sample regional delights and interact with local vendors.
While exploring Thouars, keep an eye out for charming crepe and galette stands offering a variety of fillings, from classic ham and cheese to sweet options like Nutella and bananas. These portable treats make for a delightful street food experience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet with a friendly 'Bonjour' when entering shops or interacting with locals. Politeness is highly valued and a simple greeting can go a long way in establishing rapport.
When dining out, keep your hands on the table (but not your elbows), and wait for the host to start the meal. It's customary to say 'Bon appétit' before you begin eating.
Dress neatly and well when going out. The French tend to have a chic style, and making an effort with your appearance is a sign of respect.
Safety
Tipping in Thouars
Ensure a smooth experience
In Thouars, as in much of France, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated. Service charges are typically included in the bill in restaurants and cafes, but customers often leave small change or round up the bill to show appreciation for good service. In more casual settings, such as bars, it is common to leave a small tip.
Payments in Thouars can be made using multiple methods. Cash is still widely accepted, but credit and debit cards are increasingly popular, especially in larger establishments. Contactless payments are also common. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller shops or markets, as there may be minimum spending limits for card payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is a lovely time to visit Thouars as the weather becomes milder and flowers bloom. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C. Expect pleasant walks through the parks and gardens, with the local flora in full display. It's a great season for outdoor activities and exploring the historical sites.
Summer (June to August) is warm and can be quite hot, with temperatures often reaching 25°C or higher. This is the peak tourist season, making it lively and vibrant. Expect outdoor festivals, markets, and plenty of opportunities for enjoying the local cuisine at outdoor cafes. However, be prepared for occasional heatwaves.
Autumn (September to November) is characterized by cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage, ranging from 10°C to 18°C. This season offers a quieter atmosphere perfect for exploring the countryside and enjoying local harvest festivals. It's a good time for wine tasting and experiencing the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Winter (December to February) can be chilly in Thouars, with temperatures often dropping to around 3°C to 10°C. Expect fewer tourists, making it a peaceful time to visit. While it may not be ideal for outdoor activities, the holiday season brings festive decorations and local events. It's a great time to enjoy warm, hearty French cuisine in cozy restaurants.
Thouars at Night
Hiking in Thouars
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large historical theme park located near Les Herbiers, about an hour's drive from Thouars, offering scenic walking paths and opportunities for hiking.
A picturesque valley ideal for hiking, featuring diverse landscapes, rivers, and tranquil settings, located just south of Thouars.
A beautiful forest offering several hiking trails surrounded by nature, located approximately 30 kilometers west of Thouars.
A coastal hiking trail that offers stunning views along the coastline, about a two-hour drive from Thouars.
A scenic area that features trails along the Thouet River, perfect for hiking and exploring nature, located near Thouars.
Aiports
How to reach Thouars by plane.
Located approximately 130 km west of Thouars, Nantes Atlantique Airport serves the city of Nantes and surrounding regions, offering both domestic and international flights.
Approximately 170 km south of Thouars, Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport is an international airport servicing the city of Bordeaux, with flights to various destinations across Europe and beyond.
About 100 km to the west of Thouars, La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport provides both domestic and European flights, ideal for travelers heading to the Charente-Maritime region.
Located roughly 40 km northeast of Thouars, Poitiers–Biard Airport caters to regional flights, providing connections to larger international hubs.
Situated approximately 80 km to the northeast of Thouars, Tours Val de Loire Airport operates seasonal flights to various destinations in Europe.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population in Thouars, consisting of individuals holding French citizenship.
Residents from other countries who have settled in Thouars for work, family, or other reasons.
Individuals aged 65 and over, representing a significant portion of the demographic in many towns including Thouars.
Children and teenagers under the age of 18, who make up the younger demographic group.
Adults aged 18 to 64, which constitutes the main workforce in Thouars.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Thouars, with local clubs and teams competing in various leagues.
Rugby has a significant following in Thouars, with community involvement and local matches drawing enthusiastic crowds.
Basketball is widely played in Thouars, with several clubs offering opportunities for both youth and adults to participate.
Cycling is a popular recreational activity in Thouars, thanks to its scenic routes and nearby countryside.
Tennis is practiced by many residents, with tennis clubs providing facilities for individuals and families.
Athletics is promoted in local schools and clubs, encouraging youth participation in various track and field events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Thouars.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional French cuisine leans heavily on meat and dairy, many restaurants in Thouars offer vegetarian and vegan adaptations of classic dishes, ensuring that non-meat eaters can indulge in the local flavors.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities will find that some eateries in Thouars provide gluten-free alternatives, such as buckwheat galettes or flourless desserts, to accommodate their dietary needs.