The Jardins du Château de la Motte combine a checkerboard pattern of garden beds with medicinal and aromatic plants. Usseau also offers Romanesque church architecture, a 15th-century château, and horse-riding and hiking activities. When planning your visit, it is helpful to consider the distinctive features of the sites and the conditions for each activity separately.

Gardens and Architectural History

At the Jardins du Château de la Motte, the garden beds are laid out in a checkerboard pattern and planted with medicinal and aromatic plants. This brings together a geometric layout and a specific selection of plants—a clear focus for anyone interested in garden design. Opening arrangements may vary; check the applicable conditions before visiting.

The Château de la Motte dates from the 15th century and stands on a very old fortified site. An octagonal dovecote with 800 nesting niches has been preserved at the château. Its age places the château in time, while its shape and the number of niches describe specific architectural features. Those interested in historic architectural forms will find another distinct architectural focus here, in addition to the Romanesque church.

The Église Saint-Hilaire and its Architecture

The Église Saint-Hilaire is a Romanesque church whose layout is associated with the medieval motte castle of La Motte d’Usseau. It has a rectangular floor plan, a flat-ended chancel and no side aisles. The nave has three bays. A bay is a section of the nave; this description therefore refers to its divisions, while the floor plan and chancel end describe other aspects of the building’s form.

The square bell tower also has distinctive details. At its base are paired blind arcades with foliate capitals. In the upper register, there are two round-arched openings on each side. The closed arcade decoration below thus contrasts with the openings above. Those interested in Romanesque architecture can consider the tower’s form, divisions and decoration separately through these details.

Horse-Riding Activities and Hiking Trails

La Cavalerie du Moulin at Le Moulin d’Usseau offers horseback rides and carriage rides. One- to six-day horse-riding tours are also available for all levels. Activities require a reservation. The one-to-six-day duration applies to the horse-riding tours; horseback rides and carriage rides are listed as separate offerings. If duration is important for your plans, you can distinguish between these activities and a horse-riding tour with a stated time frame. Agree on your chosen activity with the provider in advance.

The circular hiking trails offer different points to consider when choosing a route. The trail Aux Confins du Haut-Poitou et de la Touraine – Circuit n°53 starts and ends in Usseau. The circular trail Le Font d’Igon – Circuit n°52 is suitable for families and all audiences. Circuit 53 therefore gives a specific start and end point, while Circuit 52 is distinguished by its broad suitability for different audiences. Check local conditions for both trails before setting out.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Neuville-De-Poitou, Chauvigny, Dienné, Saint-Clair, Sossais, Magné, Montmorillon, Gizay.

For the broader travel overview: Vienne.