The Touvre is a 10-kilometre-long river and France’s second-largest resurgence. In Ruelle-sur-Touvre, this riverside setting is combined with historic buildings, former mills and walks through the town’s history.
Renting a holiday apartment in Ruelle-sur-Touvre can be part of your own travel plans.
Culture and History
The Fontaine François Ier has been classified as a historic monument since 19 May 1925 and is visible from public areas. It is part of the cultural and historical walking tour “Au fil de la Touvre”.
The parish church of Saint-Médard stands in the centre of Ruelle-sur-Touvre on the banks of the Touvre. It was formerly a priory of the Cluniac order and has been mentioned since 1080. Its single-nave body has two side chapels and a flat-ended chancel.
The unmarked walking tour follows the Touvre and passes through the former suburbs of Ruelle-sur-Touvre; information panels explain the town’s past and present. It also leads to the Site de la Porte, which formerly housed the foundry’s apprentice school.
Water and Industrial History
The Touvre was historically Ruelle-sur-Touvre’s most important source of energy. Numerous mills along its course took advantage of its reliably ice-free waters.
At the crossroads with the Route de Gond-Pontouvre, the privately owned Moulin La Terrière stands opposite the “Au fil de la Touvre” walking tour. Moulin La Terrière was a paper mill in the 17th century, was converted into a grain mill in the 18th century, and was replaced in the 19th century by an oil mill and a grain mill. The remains of a side wheel with a diameter of around six metres have been preserved on the outside of its southern side.
The Ruelle-sur-Touvre cannon foundry was established from 1751 onwards by René, Marc, Marquis de Montalembert (1714–1800), after he acquired two mills facing each other on the banks of the Touvre in 1750.
Walks and Discoveries
Ruelle-sur-Touvre has a Tèrra-Aventura geocaching trail with a treasure hunt. The trail is just over 3 kilometres long; riddles lead to the coordinates of the treasure chest. It focuses on maritime heritage and is accompanied by the character Zisséo.
Micro-Folie Ruelle offers free access to major works of art as well as immersive experiences with augmented and virtual reality, guided exhibitions and themed workshops.
Cultural Programme
The Théâtre Jean Ferrat offers a wide range of performances from September to June as part of its cultural seasons. The theatre was renovated in 2007, has 620 seats and received the “Tourisme handicap” label in 2008.
Other destinations: Chabrac, Touzac, Le Vieux-Cérier, Pranzac, Ecuras, Baignes-Sainte-Radegonde, Vouzan, Angeac-Champagne
