Guesnes

The history of the commune of Guesnes, in the heart of the Scévolles forest, is indisputably linked to that of its convent, created in the 12th century and dependent on the Abbey of Fontevraud. The Hundred Years’ War and the Wars of Religion left their mark on the village. The church of Saint-Jean de l’Habit of the fontevrist monks dates from the 17th century. It is built of Tuffeau, the local stone. The portal dates from 1671. The four stained-glass windows were made in 1944 by Bordereau. On the edge of the RD347, the Mirebeau-Loudun road, a stele commemorates the fighting in August 1944 between the Maquis of Scévolles and the German occupiers. The Tour de Fondoire is a former hunting lodge dating from the 19th century. In the early 19th century, it was the meeting place for the notables who indulged in their favourite pastime, hunting with hounds. The tower once had a marquee, a kennel, a game reserve and a well.