Limalonges offers a varied perspective on architectural history, archaeological heritage and landscape. The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste showcases regional Romanesque architecture and later Gothic additions; the Dolmen dit La Pierre Pèse takes you back to prehistoric times. To the east of the village lies the wooded area of Glassac, and a circular hiking trail of around 7.9 kilometres passes through this forest and then through two hamlets. Nana Mac Alpacas also offers activities with alpacas. This means you can make culture, nature and a specific activity offering different focuses for your stay.
Romanesque Architecture and Gothic Building Phases
The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a church typical of regional Romanesque architecture. The apse and entrance portal probably date from the 11th century. The apse, choir and nave have barrel vaults; the Gothic north aisle was added in the 15th century. A barrel vault is an arched ceiling, making the form of the three named parts easy to visualise. Romanesque elements and a later Gothic addition thus come together in the same church. Since 11 April 1975, the church has been fully classified as a French historic monument by decree.
The Dolmen and Monument History
The Dolmen dit La Pierre Pèse is considered a Neolithic burial monument and the remains of a tumulus that has since disappeared. It has been classified as a French historic monument since 1889. The Tumulus de Nouverteils was listed as a historic monument by decree dated 21 June 1993. This archaeological heritage complements the church’s architectural history with a glimpse of prehistoric remains.
To reach the dolmen, follow the D948: after Les Maisons Blanches, drive towards Civray; the site is on the left, shortly before the railway line. Before setting out, it is advisable to check the current route.
Glassac: Forest and Wetlands
East of Limalonges lies Glassac, a small wooded slope designated as a ZNIEFF natural area for fauna and flora. Its trees include oaks and hornbeams, as well as boxwood and hazel; regionally rare flora also grows there. The lower part of Glassac contains wetlands with diverse flora. The woodland and wetlands give the landscape distinct ecological features.
A Hike Through Forest and Hamlets
The Circuit de la Roche Bardin - PĂ©rissac circular hiking trail is an elongated loop of about 7.9 km. It passes through the Glassac woodland and then through the hamlets of PĂ©rissac and La Roche Bardin. If you want to include a hike in your stay, this gives you a specific route option with an approximate distance. The route moves from forest to hamlets, offering both natural and village scenery.
Activities with Alpacas
Nana Mac Alpacas is a small farm in Limalonges that offers activities with alpacas. These include mindfulness, yoga, shared snacks, walks, feeding the animals, and arts and crafts. The range spans movement-based and creative activities as well as time spent with the alpacas. If you would like to plan a particular activity for a specific date, ask about its availability in advance.
Discover more destinations: Pers, La Coudre, Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay, Clussais-La-Pommeraie, Saint-Hilaire-La-Palud, Vasles, Airvault, Xaintray
For the overview of the wider area: Deux-Sèvres.
