It is in this "Town of Art and History" nicknamed by François 1st "Fountain Bursting with Beautiful Minds" that Rabelais embraced Humanism. In the footsteps of Pantagruel's creator, discover Fontenay's rich mansions, its shaded gardens and elegant squares, witnesses to a prestigious past conserved and preserved by the unique conservation area of the Vendée (1700 buildings in 86 hectares).

As you stroll along the sign-posted footpath "A Thousand Years of History", admire the arcaded houses of Belliard Square, the Church of Notre Dame with its panoramic view from the top of the bell tower, the rue des Loges with its half-timbered houses, the Vendée Museum and the Seneschal's mansion facing the Fountain of the Quatre Tias, the emblem of the town. In this 'Old Fontenay', entirely restored and enhanced by architectural lighting, the network of streets is similar to that of the Medieval Ages. The names of the streets evoke the trades which flourished here - drapers, tanners and goldsmiths...

The numerous festivals, the Ricochets (street arts events during Summer), cultural activities (the time-honoured Biennial, a procession of flowered floats attracting thousands of spectators at Pentecost 2007), shows, concerts, exhibitions (a promenade event combining artistic heritage with contemporary art in the historic centre from July to September) and other events scattered throughout the year assure you of a varied and rewarding cultural life.

A member of the Association 'The Most Beautiful Detours in France', Art of Living national Prize-winner, economic and administrative capital of South Vendée, a town bedecked with flowers, but equally the most sportive and the most para-sportive town in France, Fontenay le Comte is one of the most beautiful and pleasant of Poitou's key sites.