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Long live the rainy days in the Pays Loudunais!
Yes, we love rainy days in the Pays Loudunais! It’s a chance to stimulate the brain and get creative. And because a rainy day never means boredom for us, we’re always full of ideas. That morning, with Tessa and our two little explorers, Louis and Amélia, we set ourselves a challenge: turn the drops into adventures. And frankly, in the Pays Loudunais, all you need is an umbrella and a bit of curiosity to make the day perfect.
Going back in time at the Musée Charbonneau-Lassay
With hoods pulled over our heads, we made our first stop in Loudun, at the Musée Charbonneau-Lassay. As soon as we entered, the children’s eyes were already sparkling. Archaeological objects, paintings, curiosities from elsewhere… Amélia, a history buff, slipped into the shoes of an explorer, while Louis imagined himself a knight in front of the display cases of ancient weapons. This museum is a bit like the local Ali Baba’s cave: you can discover centuries of history without ever getting bored. And for parents, it’s a pleasure to learn as much as the children.
Marvel at the collegiate church of Sainte-Croix
Right next door to the Musée Charbonneau-Lassay, it’s impossible to miss the Collégiale Sainte-Croix. This majestic and peaceful Romanesque monument regularly hosts art exhibitions. On this particular day, it was a colourful contemporary exhibition. Louis loved the interactive works, while Tessa was amazed that she could feel so many emotions. The stained glass windows filtered the grey light outside, giving the place an almost fairytale atmosphere. We forgot all about the rain, caught up in the beauty of the place and the energy of the artists.
Taking to the water... at Aqua'lud
If we’re going to get wet, we might as well get completely wet! So we left our boots and parkas behind and slipped into our swimming costumes to head for Aqua’Lud, the aquatic centre in Loudun. There’s no better way to warm up, let off steam and forget about the grey skies. No sooner had Louis stepped into the water than he was off to the pentagliss, ready to beat his speed record. There was a lot of splashing and laughter too. Amélia, for her part, found her paradise in the play lagoon: water jets, little slides and bubbles galore. It was like a tropical version of a mini adventure park.
Meanwhile, we parents enjoyed a real moment of calm in the relaxation and wellbeing area. The sauna quickly got the better of the cold outside and the steam made all traces of fatigue disappear. Between breaks, we glanced at the children through the bay window, delighted to see them so happy, free as fish in the water.
And when it was time to leave, cheeks flushed and hair wet, we told ourselves we’d found a little bubble of happiness. A place where the weather no longer matters, because at Aqua Lud the mood is always right.
Life-size adventure at the Château de Monts sur Guesnes
After relaxation, it was time for adventure! Fifteen minutes from Loudun, the Château de Monts sur Guesnes proudly stands on its hill. This historic site offers an immersive experience based on the history ofEleanor of Aquitaine and the Kingdom of France, told in a fun, modern way. The children were captivated by the interactive displays, costumes and demonstrations of medieval weapons. We walked through ten rooms like chapters in a life-size novel, punctuated by projections, mysterious voices and sound effects that immersed us in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
Even in the rain, the time-travel experience worked like a charm: the lightning bolts outside almost seemed to be part of the décor! On the way out, Louis brandished a stick like a sword and Amélia re-enacted Queen Eleanor with great conviction. A visit that combines culture, games and wonder, perfect for families looking for an adventure to enjoy together.
Rainy days in the Pays Loudunais and... in Acadia!
Part of the history of the Pays Loudunais is linked toAcadia. To find out all about this fascinating story, we headed for La Chaussée to visit the Maison de l’Acadie. It’s a change of era: we’re off to New France in the 17th century. The tour tells the story of how families from Loudun crossed the Atlantic to settle in Canada. Children were fascinated by the period artefacts, maps and tales of adventure. This is a true story, full of courage and discovery, told with passion. We come away enriched and a little dreamy.
A must-see stop at Le Cornay cinema
And to round off a busy day, there’s nothing better than a family film at Cinéma Le Cornay. It’s the place to be when the rain reigns supreme. In Loudun, this discreetly charming cinema offers a varied programme, ideal for young and old alike. Comfortably seated in the soft armchairs, we savoured our moment of calm. The children chose a cartoon, of course, and we all laughed together. Just the sort of evening to round off a busy day.
When rain becomes the perfect excuse...
… to slow down. In the end, this day reminded us that rain is not a problem. Quite the opposite, in fact! In the Pays Loudunais, it’s the perfect excuse to explore in a whole new way. Take refuge in a museum, get lost in a château, dive into the warm water of a pool or enjoy a family film. Here, every drop opens a new door to history, culture and conviviality. So the next time the sky turns cloudy, don’t panic: put on your boots, take an umbrella and let yourself be surprised.
In the Pays Loudunais, even grey days have their charm.
