Châtellerault

Châtellerault’s outstanding heritage reveals the town’s unique beauty.

A 3-kilometer circuit of 37 architectural sites takes you on a journey through Châtellerault’s history.

These are sites of national importance spanning several centuries. Some, such as the Henri IV Bridge, Hôtel Sully or the Réné Descartes family residence, date from the Renaissance period. Others are more recent and equally as innovative, such as the Camille de Hogues Bridge (the first reinforced concrete bridge in France) or the Weapons Factory.

Since the Middle Ages, from the centre of town to the Chateauneuf district, each era has thus left its wondrous stamp. And it’s this same plurality of styles – resulting from the multiplicity of monuments stemming from different centuries – that so finely contributes to the architectural quality of our town.

• The forest and its arboretum

This natural forest and its lake is a fabulous beauty spot for walks and sports the whole family can enjoy, including a marked-out fitness trail in the woods, bowls pitch, children’s games and picnic tables

Set off in discovery of an Arboretum listing 62 different trees from every country in the world stretching alongside this 1,500 metre-long patch in Châtellerault’s national forest.

• What is an Arboretum ?

The first arboretums were constituted in the 19th century. This was the grand era of botanical explorations during which it was sought to make up an inventory of all the species in the world. Members of the De Vilmorin and Midraux families were the pioneers of this lengthy task.

This accompanying guide is at your disposal at the Châtellerault Tourist Office.

As far back as the Middle Ages, Châtellerault developed thriving activities directly linked to its privileged location at the junctures of the Vienne, Clain, Envigne and Ozon rivers, on the threshold of the Poitou region. These included inland waterway transport, cutlery works, tanning, tawing and ropemakinga wealth of time-honoured crafts which have now disappeared from the town but remain firmly-rooted in the collective memory.

With the arrival of the Industrial Revolution, a Weapons Factory was built here by royal decree. It flourished for a long period, thanks to the expertise of its workers, known as "Manuchards".

Closed since 1968, the factory site now houses the Car Motorbike Bicycle Museum. The town’s gardens, lake and forest offer our visitors an appealing choice of beauty spots to explore. And the warm welcome they receive also contributes to their discovery of a town doted with a rich historical heritage and a modern approach to the future.

Easy and fun to steer, these silent electric boats (for 4 to 5 people) are an original way to explore the Vienne Valley by river, boarding at the Mini Port.

Opening hours:

• May, June, September: Sundays and bank holidays, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• In July and August: every day, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Rates:

• Variable rates according to length of hire
• Special rates for groups.

All aboard for a sail down the Vienne between Crémault Park at Bonneuil-Matours and the Mini Port at Cenon-sur-Vienne!

Whether travelling by electric boat, canoe or pedal-boat, you’ll delight in the silent, peaceful charm of the river.