Chasseneuil du Poitou is a town of over 4,000 inhabitants in the Vienne départment in the Poitou-Charentes region of western France.

 

Poitou-Charantes is very unspoiled. Its coastline has long sandy beaches, islands and marinas. Inland, the flat, open topography boasts vineyards, castles and ancient Roman architecture. The climate is pleasant: not as hot as the extreme south and considerably warmer than the north.

 

The Vienne départment is in the east of the Poitou-Charantes region. Sloping gently from north to south, it takes its name from the River Vienne which flows through its centre. With its rich collection of architectural and historical treasures, Vienne attracts tourists from all over the world.

 

Poitiers is the capital of the départment. Perched on the top of a rocky plateau, the town is home to some 90,000 people. Poitiers has been the see of a bishop and a university town since 1432. Its principal tourist attraction is its collection of early Romanesque churches. The entire centre of Poitiers has been pedestrianised and is noted for its vibrant collection of shops.

 

Chasseneuil du Poitou is situated seven kilometers north of Poitiers. It is a pretty town which skillfully blends tradition and modernity. Its reputation as a major tourist destination is due in large part to the Parc du Futuroscope, opened in 1987. Since the regional council came up with the funds for its construction, the town has never looked back. Futuroscope is France's second most popular theme park and the only one of its kind in the world. Spread over 60 hectares, its interactive displays are oriented towards multimedia and cinematic/audiovisual technology with a large number of thrilling yet education al rides. After dark, laser and fireworks displays light up the sky. Since it was set up in 1987, 32 million people have come to visit Futuroscope.

 

There is a range of attractions to offer the visitor to Chasseneuil du Poitou. The town's tourist office will offer planned pedestrian routes which will bring the visitor through the town centre, introducing its history and heritage. Attractions include:

 

• Musée de la Maison D'Autrefois (Yesteryear's House Museum) – a museum of local traditions and crafts celebrating the way the residents of Chasseneuil lived over 100 years ago. The museum houses clothes of an era long gone, exhibits weddings from 1860 – 1960 and reproduces a 1940s classroom, workshops, a forge, a laundry and a typical home.
• L'Eglise Saint-Clément – a simple, unadorned church built in the 12 th century. It was altered in the 15 th and 19 th centuries and its most recent restoration was in 1999. The history of Saint Clement is summarised in the stained glass of the chorus windows.
• Castle of Guignefoile – thought to have been built around 1533. The castle comprises a lodging place, a keep, barns, cattle sheds, gardens and more. The lord of Guignefoile was a larger than life character in Chasseneuil and lived here until the French Revolution.
• Park at Clos de la Ribaudière – wonderful landscaped gardens for relaxation with equipped play areas for children.

 

 

Favoured activities in Chasseneuil include canoeing and kayaking on the River Clain, organised twice-weekly cycling trips with the local cycling club and fishing. A municipal swimming pool is open from June to September and the town offers an excellent municipal library. There are more than nine restaurants and six cafès at which one can relax and enjoy the surroundings. The local tourist office organizes a comprehensive programme of arts and cultural exhibitions annually.

 

Despite its unspoiled reputation, Chasseneuil du Poitou has a strong industrial tradition. The town has always been aware of its key position adjacent to the A10 from Paris, 6 miles from the airport at Poitiers and close to the TGV. Some 456 businesses operate in the town. Some of the more significant industries include:

 

• IMTEC Group – manufactures specialised pieces using plastic injection techniques for the automobile, electrical and medical sectors. First formed in Chasseneuil du Poitou in 1985. Although now has its headquarters on the Champs Elysees, Paris, still holds a presence in the Futuroscope theme park.
• ISOCLIN – site management organisation managing and training a nationwide network of physician clinical investigators.
• ACTARIS – manufactures a range of energy products including electrical motors, gas motors, regulators and safety devices, energy measurement devices for district heating and cooling systems, water meters and communication modules for data transfer to facilitate billing for water usage.
• Federal Mogul Chasseneuil – international private company manufacturing carburettors, pistons, rings and valves for the automotive industry.
• Agenetec – information service provider to the life sciences and biotechnology industry.
• Bonilait Proteins – established in 1957 to develop, produce and sell whey powder and dairy products derived from a vegetable fat base. Now exports 50% of its produce to 38 countries all over the world.

 

Chasseneuil du Poitou is also very proud of L'ENSMA (Ecole Nationale Superieure de Méchanique et d'Aerotechnique de Poitiers). Established as part of the University of Poitiers in 1948, L'ENSMA moved to the Futuroscope in 1993. Its purpose is to educate mechanical and aeronautical engineers and to carry out research in the field. Some 550 students attend annually.

 

Jean-Pierre Raffarin, Prime Minister of France from 2001 – 2005, was born in Poitiers in 1948 and served as deputy to the Mayor of Chasseneuil du Poitou from 1995 – 2001.