PORTE SAINT-JACQUES AND RUE DE LA VAU-SAINT-JACQUES

The Porte Saint-Jacques, Parthenay's emblematic northern entrance, was built in the ^13th century. Its bridge spans the Thouet via a superb vaulted passageway defended by a portcullis and stunner, and framed by 2 almond-shaped towers. The first floor features a guard room and a covered walkway.

Continue up Rue de la Vau-Saint-Jacques, one of Europe's longest medieval streets and a former stronghold of the weavers. Its 400 meters are dotted with half-timbered houses that are still in their original state: look for the Gargante - formerly a Maison Antiquaires - and the Vierge-Noire (named after the statuette that welcomes and guides pilgrims, once blackened by the passage of time). Here you'll find countless furnished apartments for rent, artists' studios, staircases, alleyways and other corners of greenery. Like the Férolle garden, medieval-inspired but connected: QR codes will tell you about the multitude of vegetable, simple and medicinal varieties. Don't miss the Cordeliers church, with its striking Gothic style and immense glass windows. Once you've arrived at Place de Vauvert, enjoy a leisurely picnic or browse the antique shops before heading back up to the Citadelle (toilets available).

The Porte Saint-Jacques also opens onto the charming faubourg of the same name and the Chemin de Compostelle. It's teeming with curiosities, including the Maison-Dieu priory, once dedicated to welcoming and caring for travellers, pilgrims and the destitute (original decor, including the coat of arms of Arthur de Richemond, Lord of Parthenay and Duke of Brittany).