Oiron, Deux Sevres

Description:

Geography and Transport Links

Oiron is a village (commune area 36.75km²) situated in the extreme north east of Deux Sevres, to the east of Thouars, near to the borders with Maine et Loire (Pays de la Loire), Indre et Loire (Centre), and the Vienne.  The village can be reached off the D759 between Thouars and Loudun (Vienne).  The nearest rail link is at Thouars (13km) where you can catch the TER regional service.  The nearest commercial airport is Poitiers Biard (59km) but the airport at Tours is also an option at 99km. 
See also:  Thouars, Loudun

Climate

Climate here is driven by the Atlantic Ocean, and is therefore temperate year-round.  Average summer temperatures are 23C to 26C (11C to 13C low), and in winter this drops to 8C to 9C (2C to 3C low).  Wettest month is Oct with 54mm, whilst March is the driest month with 26mm.  Oiron is within an area that receives between 1750 and 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism

Situated on the edge of  the forest domain, Oiron is best known for its Chateau.  The Chateau de Oiron was built in the 16^th century in the Renaissance style.  Built by the Gauffier Family, and severely damaged by Protestants in the latter part of the 16^th century, the castle was re-built in the 17^th century.   Claude Gouffier who built the castle was otherwise given the title Marquis de Caravaz and served as an inspiration for the character Marquis de Carabas, in Charles Perrault's story ‘Puss in Boots'.  The Chateau is now a museum of contemporary art.

Facilities

Whilst the village has basic facilities such as two general stores, a baker, butcher and a doctor, other facilities are available at Thouars (13km), such as a swimming pool, supermarket and a cinema.

Economy

Oiron is part of the Nord Poitou economic zone, which has an unemployment rate of 7.7%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006). 

Education

There is a state primary school in Oiron.  For nursery school either Saint Laon or St. Leger de Montbrun both (7km) have state options.  Secondary schools and a choice of 2 colleges (lycee), one of which is private, are in Thouars (13km).

Key Stats

Most of the properties in Oiron are main residences 82.9%, and 10.3% of properties are classed as second homes.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (42.5% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (37.2% vs 18.2%).  18.7% of the local population are under 19 years of age.  There are fewer males than females resident here (48.9% vs 51.1%).

Key Facilities and Services: