Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Thouet

A legend tells, that in the 6th century a monk named Generosus (now "Saint-Généroux"), chose to retire here to a hermit life. He died in 521, when already a small community existed. His relics were venerated inside a church, that later was the center of a priory, making it to a stopover for the pilgrims heading to Saint-Jouin-de-Marnes. Bridges like this one, crossing the river Thouet, were often erected for the pilgrims and (of course) merchants. The medieval bridge in Saint-Généroux is about 120 meters long - and runs parallel to the modern bridge.

Local legends tell, that the Abbey in Airvault was founded by Audéarde, Viscountess of Thouars, in 991, after she tried to cross the river Thouet here. She was about to drown, when she adressed an ultimate prayer to God, to raise a church here, if her life would be saved. The "Pont du Vernay" was erected by the monks of the abbey within the 12th century, where a ford had existed. It is 115 meters long, 3,50 meters wide and has served thousends of pilgrims on the "Via Turonensis". The building was probably done in cooperation with specialists sent to the construction site by the House of Plantagenet, as the bridge has specific features, that are typical for medieval English bridges.