Pouant

The first mention of the place, “Potentum”, dates from the 9th century and highlights the power of the fiefdom in the Middle Ages, when the Motte de Bascher played a defensive role against barbarian invasions. On the border between the Pays Loudunais and the town of Richelieu, the village is sparsely populated, with comfortable peasant dwellings. The church of Saint Hilaire: all that remains of the Romanesque church are the north portal, the bell tower with its arched bays and perhaps the openings in the chevet. Virtually all the rest of the building dates from the many campaigns of work carried out in contemporary times. The last major works date from 1921, when the clock was installed, and 1930, when the church’s buttresses were added.