Culture
The Château d'Olbreuse is associated with Eléonore Desmier d'Olbreuse, who was born there. The façades and roofs, as well as the remains of the surrounding wall, were partially protected as historic monuments by decree of 12 October 1973. Two of the four original towers remain; one medieval tower still has loopholes. The Château d'Olbreuse is privately owned. Free guided tours of the exterior areas are offered from July to mid-August.
Anyone wishing to see the Château d'Olbreuse and the Église Saint-Pierre in Usseau may consider renting a holiday apartment.
The Romanesque Église Saint-Pierre dates from the 12th century and features carved capitals from the 14th century. The church contains 17th- and 18th-century tomb slabs, as well as sarcophagi dating from the 11th to the 13th century. The Pierre-Henri Mitard Cultural Centre displays sarcophagi from the medieval and Merovingian cemeteries of Usseau and presents a permanent exhibition on the genealogy of the Desmier d'Olbreuse family.
History
Among Usseau's archaeological remains is a Merovingian necropolis dating from the 6th to the 8th century. Usseau lies at the crossroads of an ancient Roman road from Saintes to Nantes.
Landscape
To the south of Usseau, the Mignon and its diversion canals shape the landscape.
Things to Do
A small market is held in Usseau on Tuesdays. The heritage walking route “Val-du-Mignon: plusieurs communes au patrimoine riche” is easy, not signposted, 5.3 km long, and takes around two hours.
Other architectural features include the Lavoir du Bourg and the Moulin à eau d'Antigny. The Lavoir du Bourg is a washhouse dating from 1900, with three stone walls, a tiled roof, and an adjustable floor that can be adapted to the height of the watercourse. The Moulin à eau d'Antigny dates from the 19th century.
