The Romanesque Church of Saint-Caprais and the green-painted bronze sculpture L’Homme de Bessines introduce two distinct cultural themes of the town. The waterways and the Marais landscape offer further points of interest.
Church, Cross and Art
Saint-Caprais is a 12th-century Romanesque church and has been listed in the Monuments Historiques register since 1985. It is also a stop on the Chemin de Compostelle. The Hosannière Cross was erected in 1771 at the request of the parish priest at the time, Abbé Bert. It stands in the cemetery on the pilgrimage route known as the Voie des Plantagenets. The church and cross thus offer different ways to explore the town’s history: its Romanesque period and two distinct links to pilgrimage routes.
L’Homme de Bessines is an anthropomorphic sculpture made of green-painted bronze, created by Fabrice HYBER as part of a public commission from the mayor at the time, Claude JUIN. It is based on a cast of the artist’s body, reduced to half its size. The work was officially created on 19 October 1991, when six statues were installed throughout the commune. Its form, material and distribution across the commune distinguish this artistic theme from the religious buildings.
Waterways and the Marais Landscape
Bessines lies on the Vieille Sèvre and the Bief Jaron. Pollarded ash trees line the conches along the first canals of the Marais near Bessines. The waterways describe the town’s setting, while the trees offer a specific feature along the canals. If you are considering the landscape as well as cultural history when planning your trip, these offer two different perspectives on Bessines.
Walking Routes and Historic Sites
“Aux portes du Marais poitevin à Bessines” is the name of a walking route in Bessines. A 2003 route description takes walkers past the Pigeonnier du Pruneau. It describes the old dovecote as having a section of the building that has partially collapsed. Also mentioned are the Logis de Pierre Levée, the birthplace of Jean Richard, and the Boudrie neuve. After the Revolution, this building served as a venue for important meetings. These historic connections differ: the Pigeonnier is notable for its condition, the Logis for being a birthplace, and the Boudrie for its former role as a meeting place.
A 2003 route description names the town centre at the Embarcadère des 3 ponts as the starting point for a circular walk in Bessines. For about 200 metres, the route follows a section of the GR 36. Check the current route before setting out, as the description dates from 2003.
Angelica in May
Angelica is cultivated in Bessines and celebrated in May at the Fête de l’Angélique. If you are planning your trip around the festival, check the current event dates in advance. This seasonal occasion adds a distinct time-of-year highlight alongside the themes of church, art and landscape.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Vincent-La-Châtre, Clussais-La-Pommeraie, Bouin, Saint-Georges-de-Noisné, Lezay, Limalonges, Paizay-Le-Chapt, Saint-Maixent-de-Beugné
For the broader travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.
