Located in the Poitou-Charentes region of western France, the town of Niort is perched on the banks of the Sevre Nioraise River and is one of the largest financial centers in the country today. The town was originally settled thanks to the construction of a castle for Henry II of England in the 12th century. Today, the impressive towers of the castle still overlook the river and it has become a popular tourist attraction.

The town center in Niort is thriving, so be sure to check out the Rue St-Jean and the Rue Victor-Hugo, with are lined with stunning half-timbered and stone medieval homes. Also of interest, the old town hall dates to the 16th century and boasts a unique triangular design, a belfry and various impressive ornamentations on the façade. Near the castle keep, the market hall has been converted into a popular museum that features a variety of items that date back to the earliest days of Niort.