It was in this "town of art and history", baptized "Fountain Springing with Fine Minds" by François I, that Rabelais embraced Humanism. In the footsteps of the creator of Pantagruel, discover rich mansions, shaded gardens and elegant squares, witnesses to a prestigious past, preserved within this unique Vendée conservation area (86 hectares incorporating 1700 buildings).

Take the walking tour " mille ans d'histoire" (A Thousand Years of History) and discover the beautiful Place Belliard with its fine houses and arcades, Notre Dame church with its panoramic view from the top of its bell tower, the Rue des Loges with its half-timbered houses, the Vendée Museum and also the Seneschal's Court opposite the Fountain of the 4 Tias, emblem of the city. In this "Old Fontenay" entirely restored and enhanced by architectural lighting, the road system is similar to that of mediaeval times, the street names evoking the guilds and corporations who were active there : the drapers, the tanners, the silversmiths…