Vire lies in the valley floor in the vicinity of tributaries of the Belle. The southern townscape appears restrained because the buildings at the beginning of the valley are concealed. At the eastern entrance to the town, the buildings gradually become visible and form a town profile that is more densely developed along the road. Older homes stand alongside several newer houses. Those choosing Vire as a travel destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment there.
Townscape and Landscape
The Bonneuil stream rises at Viré. At the Fontaine de Viré, water emerges from a mortared embankment made of limestone rubble through a round-arched opening fitted with a protective grille. The Fontaine de Viré feeds a pond that is partly concealed by vegetation. It is located on the road from Viré to Bonneuil and can be reached via the Rue de la Fontaine and then along a small rural path.
Several family cemeteries are visible in Viré. They are associated with Protestant burial practices and with the former isolation of hamlets and individual properties.
Architectural Heritage and History
The farm at the locality of La Grosse-Pierre in Viré was built shortly before 1882. The farm consists of a courtyard, a barn, a stable and an agricultural shed. The masonry includes limestone, rubble stone and plaster; the roof has pantiles and is a gabled roof with a covered gable end.
Paths and Culture
Le Ruban Vert is a nine-kilometre-long path surfaced with stabilised sand on the former Niort–Ruffec railway line. It passes through forests, by stone walls and bridges, and is recommended for walking and cycling.
The Abbaye Royale stands in Celles-sur-Belle, a 17th-century abbey rebuilt over the remains of an older abbey complex dating from the 11th century. It hosts exhibitions, academies, concerts and music festivals. The Promenoir poétique, open year-round, combines a walk along a historic town tour with reading poems.
The V93 cycle route passes through Celles-sur-Belle and links the Marais Poitevin with Lac de Vassivière in Creuse. La vallée de la Belle is a twelve-kilometre circular hiking trail in Celles-sur-Belle with a stated duration of three hours. The circular route passes villages and hamlets, the Belle and several wash houses.
