Saint-Maixent-Lʼécole: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

The Saint-Léger crypt is one of the oldest crypts in France. It preserves written graffiti and graffiti carved into the stone, recording the names and, in some cases, the addresses, towns of origin or regiment names of Allied soldiers.

Renting a holiday apartment in Saint-Maixent-Lʼécole can be part of your personal travel planning.

Culture

The Église Saint-Léger was built at the end of the 7th century to house the relics of Saint Léger. Today, only a chapel, two Gothic bays and the 7th-century crypt remain. In 1879, the Saint-Léger crypt was classified as a historic monument.

The Abbaye de Saint-Maixent-l’École was built in the Romanesque style and extended during the Gothic and Neo-Gothic periods.

The Musée du Sous-Officier presents the military history of Saint-Maixent-l’École and France and illustrates the role of non-commissioned officers over the centuries. Free or guided tours are available there; admission is free.

The visitor trail through the Old Cemetery leads to unusual tomb monuments that combine craftsmanship with architectural styles from different periods.

Nature and Trails

A 1-km footpath leads from Parc Hélène Guyonnet to Moulin du Tan.

The circular trail crosses the Sèvre Niortaise via footbridges and passes through a wetland.

Water

From Base Tempête, the canoe route heads towards Sainte-Néomaye and continues to La Crèche, where a vehicle can pick up the paddlers.

Saint-Maixent Canoë-Kayak rents canoes and kayaks during the summer season.

More local pages: Étusson, Pioussay, La Chapelle-Gaudin, Crézières, Saint-Pardoux, Bessines, Les Groseillers, Combrand.

To the higher-level travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.