The main street of Chauvigny

Chauvigny & Montmorillon.

Terrestrial ripples in the east.

In this eastern part of Vienne one senses the start of a geological transition. The great tracts of the Plain of Poitou are less extensive than in the west and north and one begins to experience the terrestrial ripples that will lead on, beyond our present boundaries, to the highlands of central France. The folds run from south to north and accommodate several river valleys - surely a happy hunting ground for dreams? The Vienne visits Chauvigny while Montmorillon surveys the Gartempe which, after swallowing the Angelin near pretty Angles, is itself absorbed by the Creuse near la Roche-Posay on the boundary with our Area 'Chatellerault on the River Vienne'.

The lairs of birds of prey.

For barons of old the charm of Chauvigny lay in the craggy escarpment overlooking the river. Their efforts to fortify their position have left a series of ruins surrounded by a huddle of habitations. The remains of the grand halls of the aristocrats are now inhabited by an aviary of birds of prey (perhaps they have not changed very much in their purpose?) while the smaller houses in a labyrinth of hilly streets have continued to provide warmth and shelter. The 'Ville Haute' (Upper Town) is a honey pot for tourists and lovers of very ancient property but it had little space for the greater demands of more recent centuries.

FOR SALE at 211,000 Euros. A house in rural surroundings not far from Civray in the south of la Vienne. For more details check the AGENCE A2B property display via the links in the left hand columns of Vienne Département Page or Poitiers Area Page.

A convenient centre.

That was found at the foot of the outcrop which had been fortified so assiduously. The levels of the river plain have provided space for a street of commerce, administrative buildings and an extensive market square which doubles as car parking. With a population of just over 7,000 and only some 15 miles from the bright lights of Poitiers, Chauvigny is certainly one of the most pleasant country towns in the Département.

Montmorillon's narrow streets are devoted to writing and books.

Wordsmiths and craft-persons at work.

Montmorillon houses the Sub-Prefecture for the east. The older part of the town, the scene of a determined effort to become a centre for writing, books and literature, rises above the river Gartempe with the ancient buildings providing an appropriate setting for wordsmiths and craft-persons to labour at their art. Sadly the mediaeval talent for creating colourful backgrounds deserted the succeeding generations and the more modern town seems utilitarian and uncomfortable. The immediate surroundings more than compensate as one discovers hamlets and corners beyond belief in the river valley and beyond.

The Mairie at Lussac-les-Chateaux. But is the No Entry sign a reference to French burocracy?

A small town with a square and more than enough else.

Equally one needs to remind oneself that nearby Lussac-les-Châteaux is but a stone's throw from some of the most spectacular scenery along the Vienne. It's all too easy (particularly on summer week-ends) to dismiss it as no more than a traffic jam on the main road to Limoges. Nevertheless, hardly more than a few yards away from the restless vehicles, you'll find a quiet and traditional small-town with a square and more than enough else to make you forget about the tyranny of traffic lights.

Districts that grow on you.

Several of our 'Areas' in la Vienne tempt one to say that they are districts that grow on you but none more so than this now peaceful segment to the east of Poitiers. It has been a popular area throughout history. Although one might not want to dwell over much about the fact that several thousand souls sought out Civaux as their final resting place in the first century it is more comforting to reflect that for most of the intervening period the denizens of the local communities have thought them worth fighting for. From the romantic ruins of Angles-sur-Anglin in the north to St Savin or any number of other places further south there are many many gems to be discovered between the Vienne and the Gartempe!