Melle can be explored through several very different themes: a converted railway line with an arboretum, Romanesque churches, art in public spaces and technical collections. The Chemin de la Découverte is a former railway line that has been converted into an arboretum. It is freely accessible at no charge; guided visits are available by prior arrangement. This gives you two ways to visit: independently or on a guided tour booked in advance.
Garden Art and Works in Public Spaces
At Parc de la Maladrerie, Le feu inventé combines figurative forms with a clearly defined material treatment: the anthropomorphic sculptures are made from split tree trunks and blackened by fire. “Anthropomorphic” describes their human-like form; wood and fire are also part of the work’s design. Also in the park is Jardin d’eau - Jardin d’orties, Gilles Clément’s first “Jardin de résistance” in Melle. The two installations can be clearly distinguished: Le feu inventé is defined by sculpture, wood and fire, while the garden’s form, creator and special status as the first garden of its kind in Melle are central to Jardin d’eau - Jardin d’orties. The Musée des nuages is an open-air museum. Contemporary artworks acquired and preserved in Melle can also be seen among the city’s architectural and botanical heritage.
Three Churches, Different Points of Interest
Melle’s three churches offer clearly distinct historical points of interest. Saint-Savinien is the oldest of the three and was built within the medieval castrum. Saint-Hilaire is considered one of the most complete examples of Romanesque architecture in Poitou and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The church is accessible to people with reduced mobility; check the conditions before your visit. Saint-Pierre was built at the beginning of the 12th century. The churches therefore offer different points of interest for exploring their history: the castrum, Romanesque architecture and UNESCO listing, and a specific construction period.
Motorcycles and Underground Mining
The Musée Monet & Goyon is dedicated to the motorcycle manufacturer Monet&Goyon. Almost 40 motorcycles and period accessories are on display there. On a guided tour of the Mines d’Argent des Rois Francs, you can explore the underground mining network and ancient mining techniques. These offer two different ways to explore technology: a museum focused on a manufacturer and its machines, and a guided exploration of an underground network and ancient mining techniques.
Biennale at Various Exhibition Venues
The Melle Biennale of Contemporary Art uses churches, a temple, the Hôtel de Ménoc, parks and the Chemin de la Découverte as exhibition venues. The list ranges from religious buildings and parks to the Chemin de la Découverte, bringing together a variety of venues. If you are visiting during the Biennale, it is worth checking the event dates so you can plan your stay around the specific exhibition period.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Hilaire-La-Palud, Villiers-En-Bois, Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay, Rom, Saint-Georges-De-Rex, Parthenay, La Boissière-En-Gâtine, Pressigny.
For the wider travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.
