Follow the Vienne
The Vienne was formed in 1790 from parts of the historical regions of Poitou, Berry and Touraine. The department tends to slope downwards from the north to the south with the highest point reaching 764 ft and the lowest point being 115ft at the confluence of the River Creuse and the River Charente. The department gets its name from the River Vienne, which flows straight down the centre.
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Ahead of its time
The Vienne attracts tourists from all over the world with its rich collection of historical and architectural gems. The department also offers visitors the chance to peer into the future at its high-tech theme park, Futuroscope, which has done wonders to regenerate the area.
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Impressive architecture
Poitiers is the departmental capital and is home to around 90,000 people, many of whom are students. It’s perched on top of a hill with fine views over the Clain and Boivre Rivers. There are many interesting buildings, including a large number of Romanesque churches. The most notable is the Eglise Notre Dame la Grande dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. The pedestrianised centre is also renowned for its bustling shopping scene.
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A glimpse of the future
Six miles away from the capital is Futuroscope. The regional council came up with the funds to construct this highly ambitious project and has laughed off the critics ever since. Inside there are a large number of thrilling yet highly educational rides, including a few which serve to teach visitors about the local area. When night falls the park becomes the setting for a truly spectacular laser and fireworks display.
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Keen bookworms
Nearby is Montmorillon, a small town with only 7,500 inhabitants. Book publishing is the town’s speciality and a book fair is held here every June. The nearby Vienne River offers kayaking and fishing amongst many other activities. Away from the river, the gentle countryside provides an ideal location for horse riding and walking.
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How to get there
Ryanair flies direct to both Limoges and Poitiers. If you’d rather go by land then take France’s super fast TGV train service, which stops off in Poitiers. To get there by car, take the A10 from Paris.
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What about the property prices and availability?
Prices in the region have been pushed up by the arrival of second home owners from Paris and abroad. Montmorillon is very popular with British buyers and visitors providing a stable rental market during the summer.
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