The ethnological history of Ouzilly-Vignolles is really unique. The inhabitants had no other choice but to build out of marsh soil, marsh reeds, aggregate and water in this hostile area, and this is how the first houses in Ouzilly (12th century) were made of raw earth according to a clay and straw mortar technique. These houses have no foundations and there is no visible moulding of bricks on the walls. Relatively easy to build, the measured quantities for the different elements were a question of experience, and today the technique has almost entirely disappeared. Up until the beginning of the 20th century, all the houses in Ouzilly were made of clay and straw mortar. Today there are 104 dwellings and farm buildings built in this way. This unique site in Poitou-Charentes is listed with the Ministry of Culture and it is a protected site. To visit: the clay and straw mortar built houses of the village, exhibitions, videos, 'soil centre' and audio-guided tour. Nearby : Montcontour, its dungeon and outdoor recreation centre.

See also:
Activities - Moncontour