Thouars

This modest town on the River Thouet in western France's Deux-Sèvres, Thouars sits in wine-growing country and holds an official "town of art and history" designation alongside a "four-flower" civic award. The Toarcian stage of the Jurassic period takes its name from the town. A central core of cafés and restaurants serves visitors, and listed heritage architecture can be found in the surrounding area.

• Population11,517
• Nearest water from center0.7 km