Melle

Melle is a busy Roman market town surrounded by countryside in the south of the Deux-Sevres.

Situated only 20 kilometres from Niort and just over an hour from the coast, the town is steeped in history with its three churches dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. The churches are: Saint Savinien, Saint Pierre and Saint Hilaire which is situated on the Saint Jacques de Compostelle route. Saint Hilaire is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and as such is in an historically protected area.

The town still has a gate and medieval ramparts from the 11th and 12th century and the Hotel de Menoc.

Melle offers a unique experience with its Arboretum and Chemin de la Decouverte which surrounds the town and covers 6km of pathways. Presenting 9 collections of trees protected by the French Conservation of special plant collections that has 1000 species of trees, shrubs and roses.

The arboretum consists of 1,500 young trees, planted in 1993, of 41 species. There is free entrance and guided tours all year round.

There are two ancient lavoirs; Loubeau and Villiers. These were once the ancient wash houses for the townspeople.

The Green Ribbon Path is a 9km nature trail on the disused railway path between Melle and the neighbouring village of Celle-sur-Belle. It is for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders but prohibited for motor vehicles.

The Silver Mines in Melle date back to the minting of coins during the era of the French Kings. They are the most ancient silver mines in Europe. Tours of the light and sound galleries, minting of coins, museum on site, shop and Carolingian garden.
Year round visits for groups with appointments and for individuals all year round.

The Carolingian Garden is on the site of the silver mines with hundreds of medicinal plants and herbs that were used in the Charlemagne era.

Places to visit in the surrounding area:
Roman Churches at: Chail, Maisonnais, Puffonds, Saint-Leger-de-la-Martiniere, Saint-Romans-les-Melle, Saint Genard, Saint-Vincent-la-Chatre.

Gastronomy and local produce in the area:
Goats cheeses (Chabichou) with a cheese festival each year in Melle.
Cakes made from locally made cream cheese.

Quality self catering and B&B accommodation in the Deux-Sèvres