Saint-Coutant: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

The 551-hectare type 1 ZNIEFF area “Boucle de la Dive du Sud” encompasses wetlands in the upper reaches of the Dive Valley in Saint-Coutant. These wetlands are home to three of the rarest spreadwing species in the Deux-Sèvres department: green spreadwing (Lestes virens), scarce spreadwing (Lestes dryas) and emerald spreadwing (Lestes sponsa).

The wetlands and bocage landscapes of the Boucle de la Dive du Sud provide a habitat for several significant bird species, including black-tailed godwit, northern lapwing, reed warbler, grey heron, water rail and red-backed shrike.

Those planning Saint-Coutant as a travel destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment.

Culture and History

The tabernacle of the Augustinian priory of Saint-Gilles was donated to the parish of Saint-Coutant shortly after 1906 and is modelled on the Porte Saint-Jacques in Parthenay.

Château de Germain has a square keep and a round tower, which may date from the 14th or 15th century.

Château de Germain was listed as a historic monument by decree of 8 June 1943.

Contemporary stained-glass windows were installed in Saint-Gilles Church in 2024.

In the wider region around Saint-Coutant are the historic site of Abbaye de Valence, the monastery of Abbaye royale de Celles-sur-Belle, the monastery of Abbatiale de Saint-Maixent-l'École, the church of Sainte-Eanne and the zoo The vallee de singes.

Hiking

The Saint-Coutant-nord route is an easy, 4.6 km circular hike lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes. It starts on Rue de la Girardière near a washhouse; the car park is also located there.

The Saint-Coutant-sud route is an easy, 5.7 km circular hike lasting 2 hours. It is marked in blue; along the hike, logos for “Balades et Découvertes” show the way.

For the general travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Lezay, Surin, Sainte-Gemme, Celles-Sur-Belle, Puihardy, Le Busseau, Clavé, Caunay.