Region & Heritage

Deux-Sèvres, France

Discover Medieval Gastronomy

Explore traditional recipes, hypocras, hydromel, and historic products with La Cour des Saveurs .

Climate: This region enjoys sunny weather on the Atlantic Coast, averaging 2,000 to 2,250 sunny hours per year.

Nearby Tourist Attractions: Locally, the famous Marais Poitevin is located just 10 km to the south. Poitiers is 65 km northeast, and the historical coastal city of La Rochelle is 82 km west. Other major attractions include Puy du Fou, Zoorama, and the European Forest of Chizé.

Local Attractions: Cherveux is nestled in the picturesque countryside known as Haut Val de Sèvres.

The beautiful small lake of Cherveux-St-Christophe is located just 2 km away, offering tennis, swimming, and camping facilities. An equestrian center and the Golf du Petit Chêne are also located nearby.

Historical Sites: The region is surrounded by Romanesque art treasures. Nearby historic landmarks include Melle, Poitiers, Celles-sur-Belle, the Neolithic Tumulus of Bougon, and the Gallo-Roman site of Sanxay.

Cuisine & Gastronomy: Regional specialties include Pineau des Charentes, Haut-Poitou wines, Marennes-Oléron oysters, Farci Poitevin, goat cheeses, and traditional medieval culinary specialties.

Cultural Events: Renowned annual events include the International Comics Festival in Angoulême, the Folklore Festival of Confolens, and Les Francofolies in La Rochelle.

Village of Cherveux

Cherveux

Between "Plaine and Gâtine"

Isolated in the middle of a fertile plain on a verdant plateau rises the village of Cherveux (1,200 inhabitants with local businesses: bar-restaurant, pizzeria, bakery, grocery store, and pharmacy). To the south, a vast plain extends to the Niort plain. Further south lies the Marais Poitevin. To the north lies the Gâtine region, featuring natural pastures enclosed by thick hedges.

Origins of Cherveux

Prehistoric period: Flint tools found in the plain show that the site was inhabited in prehistoric times.
Roman period: Archaeological remains attest to Roman occupation.
Name origins: Of Celtic origin, the settlement's name evolved from Carvium (circa 1100) to Cherveux. The name likely derives from hemp (local dialect: chorbe or chorve), which was widely cultivated for local weavers and ropemakers.

Bibliography: Madame Gaboreau (E): "Glanes sur Cherveux" (1978).

Cherveux Region