Saint-Maixent-l'École, Military training town in Deux-Sèvres, France.
Saint-Maixent-l'École is a commune in Deux-Sèvres that sits in a fertile valley where the River Sevre flows through the center. Historic buildings and agricultural fields surround the town, with the National School for Non-Commissioned Officers occupying a significant part of the built area.
Religious communities established themselves here in the 5th century, laying the foundation for what would become this town. Over time it transformed into a center for military training, shaping its evolution from medieval times forward.
The central abbey holds the tombs of Saint Maixent and Saint Leger, shaping the spiritual identity of this French commune even today. These sacred sites draw people seeking connection with the place's religious roots.
The best time to explore is on weekdays when military training is less intensive and the town center remains accessible. The SNCF train station connects to regional destinations, making a visit convenient for travelers arriving by rail.
The town maintains a partnership with Horsham, England, marked by a British telephone box displayed near the town hall. This unusual connection reveals the international ties of this small French commune.
Location: canton of Saint-Maixent-l'École-1
Location: canton of Saint-Maixent-l'École-2
Location: Deux-Sèvres
Location: arrondissement of Niort
Elevation above the sea: 81 m
Shares border with: Azay-le-Brûlé, Exireuil, Nanteuil, Saint-Martin-de-Saint-Maixent, Saivres
Address: 79400 Saint-Maixent-l'École, France
Phone: +33549761377
Email: contact@saint-maixent-lecole.fr
Website: http://saint-maixent-lecole.fr
GPS coordinates: 46.41278,-0.20806
Latest update: December 20, 2025 00:19
Abbatiale Saint-Maixent de Saint-Maixent-l'École
126 m
Puits d'Enfer
2.5 km
Château de l'Herbaudière
2.3 km
Église Saint-Léger de Saint-Maixent-l'École
379 m
Dolmen de la Croisonnière
3.2 kmÉglise Saint-Saturnin de Saint-Maixent-l'École
412 m
Église Saint-Pierre de Saivres
3.1 km
Église Notre-Dame de Nanteuil
2.7 km
Abbaye Saint-Maixent de Saint-Maixent-l'École
442 mPrieuré Saint-Barthelémy d'Azay-le-Brûlé
3.4 km
Porte Châlon de Saint-Maixent-l'École
199 mChâteau d'Avançon
2.5 kmOrgue de tribune de l'abbaye de Saint-Maixent-l'École
442 mScenic viewpoint
2.4 kmSite du Puits d'Enfer
2.5 kmWork of art
2.1 kmStatue de Denfert-Rochereau
700 mMonument aux Morts
2.8 kmWar memorial, memorial
552 mMonument aux morts
550 mStatue, memorial
374 mCatholic church building, wayside cross, Christianity
2.4 kmObelisk, memorial
3.1 kmWaterfall
2.5 kmLe Puit d'Enfer
2.5 kmWaterfall
2.5 kmWaterfall
2.5 kmWaterfall
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