The town of Celles sur Belle is not only a beauty by name, but also by its nature. Classified as little city of character, the town is indeed very attractive, with its ancient Abbey and listed church. Celles sur Belle stands on the River Belle, and is located 5 miles to the North.The town was originally built as an extension to the Abbey, for which Celles sur Belle is best known today. The town is full of character and appeal, yet has all amenities required for a comfortable modern lifestyle. The central square, which forms the hub of local life, has shops, a bar, a restaurant and an auberge. In summer, the town is filled with the bustle of tourists, and even in winter there is a great spirit and vitality to Celles sur Belle.

Located 10 miles to the north is Niort, chief town of the département of Deux-Sèvres, lies on the Sèvre Niortaise. All that remains of a castle built by Henry II of England and Richard Coeur-de- Lion is the keep, consisting of two massive square towers, which now houses a museum of folk art and traditions. Other features of interest are the old half- timbered houses in and around Rue St-Jean; the former Town Hall (16th C.), on a triangular plan, now containing the Musée du Pilori, an archeological museum; the church of Notre-Dame, in the west of the town, with an elegant tower and Aubusson tapestries; the Natural History Museum; and the Musée des Beaux-Arts (tapestries, French, Italian, Flemish and Dutch paintings, etc.).

The Vieux Port, the seaward entrance of which is dominated by the two towers, La Tour de la Chaine and La Tour St Nicholas, is the focal point of this bustling coastal town. On summer evenings this area will be buzzing with a variety of activities, street markets, artists, buskers and other entertainers, as well as the lively and the more sedate restaurants and bars offering a wide range of styles of food and drink to suit all tastes. Behind the port the lovely arcaded shopping streets are worth a visit, whatever the weather! Do not miss other attractions in La Rochelle: The Musée d'Orbigny-Bernon with a section on the history of the area, the Musée du Nouveau Monde and the Musee des Beaux Arts, as well as the Hôtel de Ville and other historic fortified buildings of this town with a rather turbulent past. Finally, as with most French towns you should visit the cramped and noisy market square, to purchase your local produce!