Loudun, Vienne

Description:

Geography and Transport Links

Loudun is the most northerly town in the Vienne department, situated close to the borders of Deux Sevres, Maine et Loire and Indre et Loire (Pays de la Loire).  The commune covers 43.77km², and sits at an altitude of 47m to 120m.  The town is at the crossroads of the N147 (D347) which connects to Poitiers (59km) in the south and to Doue la Fontaine (38km) in the north, and the D759 which goes west to Thouars (25km) and north east to Chinon (27km).  The nearest rail link is at Thouars for connection to the TER service.  The nearest commercial airport is Poitiers Biard (54km), with year round services to the UK (reduced in winter).  Tours airport is also an option from here at 84km.
See also:  Oiron

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

Tourism

This historic town is probably most famously known as the scene of the bizarre and macabre Loudun Possessions.  The 17^th century trial and subsequent execution of the Priest Urbain Grandier, who was accused of inflicting the mass possession (and seduction) of the Ursuline Nuns, took place in the town.  The events were made famous in the 1952 book The Devils of Loudun (Aldous Huxley) was made an opera and later a film directed by Ken Russell.  Architecture of interest here includes La Tour Carree, a vestige of the old fortress, the tower dates back to the 11^th century and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.  The tower stands 31m tall, and at the base is a medieval garden.  The Collegiale Saint Croix is a 12^th Century structure now used as an art and cultural centre.  This was the site of the exorcisms carried out in the 16^th century, and now houses four contemporary art exhibitions per year.  Amongst other sites of interest are the Maison Natale de Theophraste Renaudot, a wax museum charting the life and work of the 17^th century philanthropist.  The Maison de l'Art Roman has a collection of Roman artefacts, and the Musee Charbonneau Lassay displays the fine arts of Carl Rosa as well as other exhibits.  The 13^th century Porte du Martray is the last remaining door of four originally part of the fortifications.  Le Pe de Jo Jo is a 1.5km educational nature walk through many species of trees and orchids, and also available in the town is an Aquarium with 15 tanks ranging from 900ltr to 4500ltr.

Facilities

Loudun has all the facilities you would expect for a town of this size, with plenty of restaurants and shops, including a large supermarket.  There are a number of sports facilities including the Nouvaeu Gymnase that houses National level Hand and Volleyball teams.  The town has two swimming pools, an outdoor facility open in summer, and a ‘Tournesol' indoor pool which can be partially opened in season.  There is an aerodrome at nearby Veniers (2km), and a large Boulodrome (Petanque complex).  The town has an FFSA approved karting track, which hosts the national Boule d'Or.

Economy

Loudun 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).  Biggest companies here are Loudundis (Leclerc supermarket), Complement Europe (makers of hats, gloves, caps and bonnets for export), Mecanique des Trois Moutiers (agricultural equipment) and Comptoir Loudunaise des Materiaux (construction materials and DIY).

Education

Loudun has two state nurseries and two primary schools, one secondary school and a choice of two colleges (lycee).

Key Stats

Most of the properties in Loudun are main residences 87.9%, and 3.4% of properties are classed as second homes.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (27.7% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (23% vs 18.2%).  22% of the local population are under 19 years of age.  There are fewer males than females resident here (47.9% vs 52.1%).

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