Les Trois-Moutiers

Les Trois-Moutiers owes its name to the three monasteries (moustiers in old French) built in the Middle Ages, Saint Hilaire, Notre Dame and Saint-Pierre. The latter was located in Bernazay, the original site of the commune; only a few remains remain today, integrated into dwellings like that of Notre Dame. These sites have been important since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the presence of a number of dolmens, including an impressive menhir known as “la pierre de Courçu” (the Courçu stone). These dolmens are now being showcased to the full, as they have been listed as historic monuments, and a hiking trail known as “le sentier des dolmens” (the dolmens trail) provides an opportunity to discover some of them. You’ll be amazed by the wealth of heritage to be found in the area.