Sainte Radegonde, Deux Sevres

Description:

Geography and Transport Links

Sainte Radegonde is a village (commune area 7.52km²) on the ourskirts of the medieval town of Thouars, situated in the extreme north of the department of Deux Sevres, near to the borders with Maine et Loire (Pays de la Loire) and Indre et Loire (Centre).  It is also close to the border with the department of Vienne.  There are no major motorways in the immediate area, but the town is at a crossroads between the D938 (between Parthenay and Saumur) and the D759 (Loudun to Mauleon).  The nearest commercial airport is Poitiers (Biard), but the airport at Tours is also an option at 112km.  The town has access to regional rail services, and the TGV is available at Saumur (34km).  The town is situated on the River Thouet.
See also:  Thouars

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.  Thouars is within an area that receives between 1750 and 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism

Ste Radegonde is a predominantly residential area on the outskirts of Thouars, and therefore has access to all of the amenities on offer there, such as the Chateau des Ducs de la Tremoill (a huge 17^th century structure that now serves as a college), and Parc Imbert (floral garden) situated next to the old ramparts.  There is an 800m pathway along the Thouet River, along with two tennis courts.

Facilities

The village has basic shopping facilities, but there are a good range of shops and restaurants at nearby Thouars.  There is a 14ha zone for various trades and crafts sited here.

Economy

Thouars 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 nursery and primary school, a secondary school, and a choice of 2 colleges (lycee) (one of which is private) available in Thouars (5km)

Key Stats

Most of the properties in Sainte Radegonde are main residences 94.3%, and 2.9% of properties are classed as second homes.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (22.4% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (19.9% vs 18.2%).  25.4% of the local population are under 19 years of age which is higher than the national average of 24.6%.  There are fewer females than males resident here (49.4% vs 50.6%).

Key Facilities and Services: