5 good reasons to fall in love with Châtellerault

Ideas for stays, The unmissable

Free activities
Paying activities
All year round
©Thomas JELINEK - Agence Zebrelle

Taking the time is certainly the best way to discover this city, certainly discreet, but with multiple charms. You will be seduced by its Italian theater, movie star ; THE gourmet flavors including some award-winning; the pleasure of sliding on the water aboard an astonishing cabin-boat or by a former industrial site, today a popular place between urban culture and testimonies of history.

1. For its unique site: La Manu!

If there is a unmissable place to Chatellerault, it's this one. The Arms Factory, now more commonly called The Manu, has, for nearly 150 years until 1968, contributed to the development of the city. He is today a museographic space and a place of cultural expression in all its forms.
Climb the two platforms of the 45-metre high Vilmouth Chimneys! The panorama of the city is unique.

Push the doors of Grand Atelier, cars, motorcycles, bicycles are available over the years ! It's hard not to be seduced by this collection of 200 models, some of which are unique. An exhibition there also retraces theindustrial and social history of manufacture. 

In the same place, the partial reconstruction of the Black Cat Cabaret, famous Parisian cabaret in the XNUMXthrd century, created by the Chatelleraudais Rodolphe Salis, immerses you in the soul of this place which made the reputation of Montmartre.

06 LEX1 - Tourism Vienne©Amélie.R-photographies-Pomme Verte

As a family, take part in the exciting adventure aboard theExpress Châtellerault-Paris. By bike or car, set off on a journey from 1890 to the 1970s. Each station brings its share of discoveries, trials and games. This activity is part of theExpériences Famille"On Vienne.

I try the adventure!

2. For its built heritage

Le Henri IV bridge, the Hotel Sully, Descartes house… These buildings built in the Renaissance are certainly the most beautiful representatives. Without forgetting of course, the Blossac Theater which was born in 1844, rare Italian theater in France restored identically.

Visit this red and gold room is an opportunity to discover behind the scenes. Like the actors of the film "What have we all done to God", a major scene of which was filmed here, you can go on stage. You will be surprised by the slope of the ground... but we won't tell you everything!

The Henri IV Bridge in Châtellerault©ACAP

3. For its city surrounded by nature

À Chatellerault, nature is never far away. To breathe, you will be spoiled for choice: the Forest Lake a stone's throw from the city center and its arboretum, one of the most beautiful in the region; the hiking trails along the Vienne or the Director's garden.
But if you dream of a bubble of tranquility, embark on the John Martin. Over the Vienne, on this typical Loire boat, “ a Toue-Cabanée », lulled by the lapping of the water, you go up the Vienne and the history of the city.

Bike rental in the Vienne

4. For its gourmet pleasures

To discover the best the city has to offer, the best way is to stroll through the charming pedestrian streets. The good smell of coffee which spreads there, will lead fine gourmets to the House Bourbon. It offers the finest selection of roasted coffees of the department and a impressive tea selection with nearly 300 references. In addition, there are many local products, chocolate, oil, beer, cookie...

Another unmissable stop: the Amaro bakery for its Paris-Brest revisited nationally awarded. Rémy Amaro, who took part in the show, "The Best Bakery in France", had obtained On 9,5 10 for this pastry. Fancy a gourmet tea break? Direction the Lemon and Cherry tea room, the homemade cupcakes, cookies and English Cake are a delight.

The Amaro bakery in Chatellerault©Thomas JELINEK – Agence Zebrelle

5. For its cultural dynamism

With four theaters and contracted stage of national interest “les 3T”, the city offers a dense and eclectic cultural program with nearly fifty shows each year. Added to this are cultural events such as the international jazz festival.
More surprisingly, the city has a National Circus School whose first prowess of the students, future stars of the circuses of the world, are illustrated in various shows during the year but also during the circus festival " The Carefree " in December.

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