Melle, Petite Cité de Caractère

Built on a promontory in the centre of a plateau, Melle is an unexpected
gem, a stopover for pilgrims on the Compostelle trail and focal point of
the Pays mellois. The settlement grew up around silver mines which were
worked during the Gallo-Roman era and today they are the oldest such
mines open to the public in France. Visit the arboretum with 1800 species
of trees and shrubs, and look out for contemporary artworks around the
town.