Parthenay, Deux Sevres

Description:

Geography and Transport Links

Parthenay is a town (commune area 11.38km²) located centrally in the department of Deux Sevres and is a Sous-Prefecture (along with Bressuire, after the department capital of Niort).  The N149 is the main route eastwards to Poitiers (48km), and westwards to Bressuire.  The D743 is the route south to Niort.  The town has access to the TER regional network, but this is via bus, however the TGV is available at St Maxient l'Ecole (30km).  The nearest commercial airport is at Poitiers with seasonal services to the UK, with the other nearest options being Nantes and La Rochelle (both 119km).  The town is situated on (surrounded by) the Thouet River.
See also:  Secondigny, Vasles

Climate

Climate here is driven by the Atlantic Ocean, and is therefore temperate year-round.  Average summer temperatures are 24C to 27C (13C to 15C low), and in winter this drops to 9C to 10C (3C to 4C low).  Wettest months are Oct, Nov and Dec (94mm), whilst June is the driest month with 39mm.  Parthenay is within an area that receives around 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism

Parthenay is an ancient (11^th century) fortified town that is surrounded on 3 sides by the Thouet River.  Being on one of the ancient pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostella, it has a number of examples of medieval architecture.  There is one church remaining in the Romanesque style and the remains of another.  The St Croix Church offers fine views over the old ramparts, while the remains of the Notre Dame de la Couldre offers views over the Thouet River.  Pilgrims would have arrived here through the old Porte St Jacques, on which you can still see the inscription St Jacques.  The town was fortified in the 13^th century, and it is possible to take a guided tour of the medieval quarter.

Every year in July Parthenay hosts the Festival des Jeux (Toy Festival) at the Palais du Congres, with over 3000 toys on display it is said to be the biggest of its kind in Europe.  In addition, the town hosts the Festival de Bouche a Oreille every year in August, and this is a festival of new traditional music.  The municipal Museum (Musee George Turpin) walks you through the history of Parthenay, and exhibits a collection of 19^th century earthenware.  The Palais de Congres is a centre that hosts trade fairs, art exhibitions and concerts.

Facilities

There is a large aquatic centre called Gatineo, with a number of indoor swimming pools, giant toboggan, and other facilities such as a solarium.  The Base de Loisirs offers outdoor pursuits such as canoeing, kayaking and wind-surfing, and is situated close to the Municipal Camping site, and other parks and gardens.  Parthenay has a moto-cross track, and at nearby Pompaire is a large Kart-Cross track.  Parthenay has a large livestock (cattle) market each week.  There are numerous cafes, bars and restaurants, and also a discotheque. 

Economy

Parthenay is part of the Nord Deux Sevres economic zone, which has an unemployment rate of 5.9%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).  The economy in Parthenay is driven by mechanical industry, transformation of agricultural products and distribution.  The major company and employer here is Ateliers de la Chainette (makers of hoists, crane components and winches).

Education

There are 5 state nurseries/primaries and 4 private, 2 secondary schools (plus 2 private) and there is a choice of 2 colleges (lycee).

Key Stats

Most of the properties in Parthenay are main residences 89.5%, and 2.2% of properties are classed as second homes.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (29.4% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (24.7% vs 18.2%).  20.2% of the local population are under 19 years of age.  There are fewer males than females resident here (47.3% vs 52.7%).

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