For a stay in Genneton, several interests can be clearly distinguished: the Bois de Beaurepaire nature area, the Neo-Gothic Church of Saint Hilaire and two different horse-related activities. There are also products from La Ferme de Mathurille, with specific lead times and appointment requirements.
Bois de Beaurepaire Nature Area
Bois de Beaurepaire is a nature area in Genneton and is classified as a Type 1 ZNIEFF. This classification is part of a biodiversity inventory; ecological classifications may be updated. This identifies a nature-related aspect to consider when planning your trip, distinct from the town’s historical and horse-related offerings.
The Neo-Gothic Church of Saint Hilaire
The Church of Saint Hilaire in Genneton is Neo-Gothic and dedicated to Saint Hilaire. It was completely rebuilt from 1860, with construction continuing until 1878. On 6 May 1878, Monseigneur Pie, the Bishop of Poitiers, consecrated the church. These dates tell the story of a construction phase lasting several years and a clearly identifiable consecration day.
The dimensions also give the architecture a distinctive profile: the church has a 45-metre-high stone spire and four small turrets. If you are interested in church architecture, this building offers several points of interest: its Neo-Gothic style, dedication, construction history and distinctive spire. This makes it easier to think of the visit in terms of architecture and history rather than as an activity programme.
Carriage Ride and Riding Lessons
Les Écuries de Saint Nicolas offers a horse-drawn carriage ride in Genneton for 10 people, by reservation. The Club hippique Argentonnais, by contrast, offers riding lessons for all levels, on horses and ponies, for both recreational riding and competition. The choice therefore depends mainly on whether you are looking for a shared ride that must be booked or riding lessons.
The Club hippique Argentonnais also offers adapted sessions for people with disabilities, older people, people who are ill, and those in a particular or challenging life situation. The sessions are adapted to individual needs and wishes; check the specific arrangements with the provider. Contact the respective providers before your visit: current opening hours are not guaranteed, and the availability of adapted sessions should be confirmed.
Products and Ordering Ahead
La Ferme de Mathurille produces and sells oven-ready chickens and guinea fowl, as well as lamb. The products mentioned include half a lamb, a whole leg roast or a cut-up leg. The farm produces animal feed and grain using organic farming methods.
For farm-gate sales, order two weeks in advance and make an appointment. Other listed outlets include the pot’é BIO producers’ shop in Sainte Radégonde des Pommiers and AMAPs in Breuil-Chaussée, Thouars, Chiché and St-Pierre-à -Champ. This means you cannot simply plan to shop spontaneously during a visit: farm-gate purchases require an order and an appointment, while the other sales options are tied to specific locations. Outlets and ordering requirements may change, so check the details in advance.
Discover more destinations: Niort, Coulon, Mazières-en-Gâtine, Pouffonds, Saint-Hilaire-La-Palud, Brion-Près-Thouet, Paizay-Le-Chapt, Coulonges-Thouarsais
For the regional travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.
