Pas-de-Jeu brings together a precisely dated church history and the story of a canalised river. At the Église Saint-Hilaire, the construction, ossuary and consecration represent three distinct milestones in the late 19th century. The former towpath along the Dive and the historic barge at the port of Saint-Laon lead to another theme: the river and the maintenance of waterways. Together, they offer two distinct perspectives on the area: the history of a church building and the work involved in maintaining a canalised waterway.
Église Saint-Hilaire: Construction and Consecration
The Église Saint-Hilaire was built from 1874 onwards, opposite the former church. The church’s ossuary was established in 1877 in the square area of the transept. On Sunday, 28 April 1878, Monseigneur Pie, Bishop of Poitiers, consecrated the church. The three dates mark distinct milestones: the start of construction, the establishment of the ossuary and the act of consecration. This sequence helps distinguish the building’s history from its religious consecration. The church’s position opposite the former church is also one of the specific landmarks in the area’s history.
The Dive: Canal and Riverside Path
The Dive, a tributary of the Thouet, is canalised downstream from Pas-de-Jeu. The Dive du Nord was canalised for 28 km, from Pas-de-Jeu to Saint-Just-sur-Dive. A former towpath follows the banks of the Dive and offers an easy riverside walk. Two distinct perspectives come together here: the 28 kilometres describe the extent of the canalisation, while the path provides an opportunity for a riverside stroll. Those interested in the waterway can thus distinguish its geographical context from a practical walking route, rather than treating them as the same kind of guide.
A Working Barge
A historic barge is on display at the port of Saint-Laon in Pas-de-Jeu. It was used to cut plants in the canal and along its banks. The boat is therefore not just an exhibit, but also represents a specific waterway maintenance task. It is the only known example in western France. Compared with the towpath, it shows another side of the waterways: the former path offers an easy walk, while the barge tells the story of the work involved in maintaining the canal and its banks.
Donkey Walks and a Look at the Animal World
Another activity is a donkey walk with Les Ânes de la Dive. In 2025, a 1.5-hour walk was offered, during which participants could learn what donkeys are, what they eat and how they live. The focus here is on the animals and their way of life, unlike the riverside stroll or the look at the church’s architectural history. At the end of the visit, you can also discover soaps made by Gaëlle from donkey’s milk. If you are planning the walk for a future trip, check the current dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: La Mothe-Saint-Héray, Cersay, Chantecorps, Usseau, Nueil-Les-Aubiers, Melle, Beaulieu-sous-Parthenay, Saint-Maixent-Lʼécole.
For the broader travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.
