Renaissance houses
In the 16th century, Fontenay-le-Comte was living its golden age, some of the most beautiful buildings of the city were constructed at that time. A lot of them are private mansions such as “La Maison Billaud”, “L’hôtel de la Sénéchaussée”,” L’hôtel Grimouard”, or “La maison Beaux-Esprits”.
On the Belliard square, you can see a house with arches that is a reminder of this glorious era.
Fountain of the “Quatre Tias”
This beautiful fountain became the symbol of the city. It is decorated with a triangular pediment and an arch, which you can look to from under by going down the stairs. Water flows through 4 pipes that where its name comes from.
While walking around the city, you will see an old timber-framing house in the street “Rue des Loges”. That house is the oldest one in Fontenay-le-Comte.
If you speak a little bit of French, you may notice that the street names are often linked to old trade guild like draper street, tanner street, or goldsmith street.