The Communaux de l’Hôpiteau give Boussais a distinct natural character: 300 ponds are scattered across heathland that was once widespread in Poitou. Crafts and church art also offer specific themes to explore. These include the Picassiette mosaic made by the MVV workshop and a choir window in Église Saint-Hilaire depicting Saint Hilary’s entry into Poitiers.

Heathland and Habitats

The Communaux are remnants of heathland that was once widespread in Poitou and is known here as “Brande.” Three hundred ponds are scattered across the heathland. The 19-hectare site was designated an Espace naturel sensible (ENS) in 2012. It includes nine protected habitats, including heathland, Molinia meadows and aquatic vegetation; four of them are of community interest. The different habitat types give the landscape more than a single focus: alongside the Brande are meadows and aquatic vegetation. The ponds are scattered across the heathland and are also part of the description of this natural area.

The species that find a habitat in the Communaux include Dartford warblers, dragonflies and great crested newts. These examples include birds, insects and amphibians, adding specific animal groups to the description of the landscape. Nature enthusiasts can therefore discover the Communaux through both their habitats and the species found there.

Trail and Events

A 2.5-kilometre trail with information boards enables visitors to explore the area. Since 2013, the Communaux have had a publicly accessible interpretation trail with 13 information boards. Its length provides a useful guide for planning, while the boards offer information about the area. Check the latest access information before your visit. Public events are also held periodically at the Communaux. If you plan to attend an event, check the date in advance.

Picassiette Mosaics and Crafts

MVV: Mosaïque Vieille Vaisselle is an arts and crafts workshop in Boussais specialising in Picassiette mosaics. The workshop also transforms old crockery into decorative objects and jewellery. This highlights two specific aspects of the craft: the named mosaic style and the reuse of crockery as material for new objects. For a cultural discovery of Boussais, this offers a different perspective from the heathland: here, the focus is on design, materials and the pieces made from them.

Church Art at Église Saint-Hilaire

A choir window in Église Saint-Hilaire de Boussais depicts Saint Hilary’s entry into Poitiers. The stained-glass choir window is a special reason to take a closer look at the church. The nave’s architectural form also offers specific details: it is covered by shallow rib vaults and transverse arches, and opens onto the choir through an axial window. Thus, both the scene depicted in the window and the form of the nave are highlights of the same religious building.

You can choose your focus among these themes: at the Communaux, the emphasis is on landscape, habitats and observing nature; MVV turns the focus to materials and crafts, while Église Saint-Hilaire combines imagery and architecture. Nature, crafts and architecture each offer a distinct way to discover Boussais.

Discover more destinations: Cerizay, Pioussay, Arçais, Sainte-Néomaye, La Chapelle-Saint-Laurent, Lezay, La Chapelle-Pouilloux, L'absie

For the broader travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.