Civray

Civray is a small town in the southern part of the Vienne département, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, set on the banks of the River Charente close to the border with the Charente département. The town is best known for its Church of Saint-Nicolas, a 12th-century Romanesque building listed as a historic monument, notable for the richly carved sculptures on its west front. The town centre retains the character of a traditional Poitou market town, with covered halls and lively shopping streets, particularly on market days. The Charente valley provides a pleasant natural setting for walking, fishing and cycling, with paths running alongside the river. Civray lies roughly midway between Poitiers and Angoulême, making it a convenient base for exploring the wider Poitou area and the neighbouring Charente vineyards. The surrounding countryside, made up of farmland and small villages, suits quieter stays focused on nature and the Romanesque heritage that is a strong feature of this part of the region.