Le Triskèle Holiday CottagesBlog

Dampierre sur Boutonne

Dampierre sur Boutonne is a pleasant little village, 15 minutes from le Triskèle, beyond Aulnay.

The main attraction is the Chateau, which although not huge (for a grander experience, we suggest you visit the Chateau de la Roche Courbon), is an interesting experience, with lovely gardens.  Tours of the Chateau are available - these are mostly delivered in French, although the guide we had spoke so clearly that you can follow a lot of the commentary, plus there are English language visiting notes available.  There is also apparently an English speaking tour on Thursday afternoons, although we haven't tried this.  

The tour ticket is EUR9 (2018 prices) to include the gardens plus a guided tour of the interior of the chateau.  A cheaper ticket is available for EUR6, which covers the gardens plus unguided access to several exhibition areas.  

An idea for a 'local' day out, and its close enough to cycle!:

  • Visit the Chateau in the morning (June, July and August   - open from 10:30 to 18:30; May and September is afternoon's only - 14:00 to 18:30) - 9 miles/ 15 minutes from Villemorin (by car)
  • Have lunch at le Garage de Papi, a nice little pub with food and lots of outdoor seating (some by the riverbank), which is located opposite the Chateau .   
  • Visit the Poitou donkey santuary (the Asinerie du Baudet du Poitou) - 3 miles from Dampierre
  • Drop into Aulnay and visit the Eglise Saint-Pierre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then stop for a drink in the main square - 5 miles/ 11 minutes from Dampierre