Thouars

Thouars is a commune in the Deux-Sèvres department in western France. On January 1, 2019, the former communes Mauzé-Thouarsais, Missé, and Sainte-Radegonde were merged into Thouars.

The town is located on the River Thouet. People who live there are called Thouarsais. The Toarcian stage of the Jurassic period gets its name from the town.

History

Thouars has a long history dating back over 5,000 years. It first appeared in records in the seventh century. In the 760s, it was an important fortress in the region of Aquitaine.

Later, leaders called viscounts governed Thouars for many years. One famous leader, Aimery IV of Thouars, fought alongside William the Conqueror in the Battle of Hastings. The town has seen many changes over the centuries, including battles and new leaders.

Population

The population numbers shown here are for the area that makes up the commune of Thouars as of January 1, 2025.

Main sights

Thouars has many interesting places to see. One of them is the castle of the Dukes of La Trémoille, finished in 1635–1638. It used to be a school for middle grades after it was fixed up.

There are old walls with towers from the 1200s, and a bridge from that time too. The Church of Saint-Laon, from the 1100s, has a special tomb inside. Another church, St. Medard, was built in the 1400s in a Romanesque style. There is also a Neo-Gothic chapel dedicated to Joan of Arc, and the Henri-Barré museum.

People

Thouars was the birthplace of several notable people, including Louis II de La Trémoille, a general who lived from 1460 to 1525, and Jean-Hugues Anglade, an actor born in 1955. Others from Thouars include Charlotte Stanley, Countess of Derby, who lived from 1599 to 1664, and Prosper Depredomme, a cyclist born in 1918 and passed away in 1997.

The town is also linked to Emilie von Hessen-Kassel, who became the Duchess of Thouars in 1648 and lived until 1693. Additionally, Margaret Stewart, Dauphine of France, daughter of James I of Scotland, is buried there. She lived from 1424 to 1445.

Twin towns

Thouars has friendships with towns in other countries. These include:

• Hannut in Belgium
• Port-Gentil in Gabon
• Diepholz in Germany
• Międzyrzec Podlaski in Poland
• Dumbarton in Scotland, United Kingdom

Climate

Thouars experiences a typical climate for western France. The weather here usually includes mild winters and warm summers, with rain spread throughout the year. This kind of climate makes it a pleasant place to live and visit.