founded in the 11th century. The Église Saint-Laurent is a parish church in the centre of the town which is believed to date from the early 11th century. It has been rebuilt several times and has both romanesque and gothic features. The Chapelle des Cordeliers is a 13th-century chapel constructed by the Order of St Francis, known in France as the Cordeliers for the chord they wore at their waist. A small side chapel dating from the 16th century houses a fine renaissance altarpiece. The sculpture "La Rivière" by Pierre Charles Lenoir is held in Parthenay Mairie. See also Communes of the Deux-Sèvres department References External links Web site of the communauté de communes (in French) The Parthenay Effect: How a Small French Town Might Save Civilization (in English) Communes of Deux-Sèvres Subprefectures in France Poitou