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Photo: Selbymay, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Roman church of the 11th century.
The Saint-Laon Church is a Catholic church in Thouars, Deux-Sèvres France. Originally serving as the abbey church of the Abbey of Saint-Laon, founded in the early 11th century, it has been listed as a historic monument since 1988.
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Small Gothic chapel, it often hosts modern art exhibitions.
A masterpiece of Roman architecture.
With vertiginous slopes and exotic plants, this park is also interesting for seeing the city walls.
Grand townhouse built by the king Louis XI to thank Louis Tyndo who allowed the city to come under the control of the Crown, it has an interesting pentagon-shaped tower and two wings.
Built for defense, this tower also served as housing for the garrison. The provost hold was both the tax collector and garrison chief. The tower is situated in front of the plain, which was the most vulnerable border of the city. Built in the 12th century, it is a great example of Middle-Age military architecture. Go under the gate to discover its two portcullis and three murder-holes.
Mostly built for defense, the tower was also a food warehouse for the army, et in the 17th century it became a prison for salt smugglers. Salt was essential to preserve meat, and subject to a heavy tax, while being tax-free in the neighbouring region Vendée. The tower can be visited, and contains modern art installations. City walls are visible around.