Lussac les Chateaux, Vienne

Description:

Geography and Transport

Lussac les Chateaux is a small town (commune area 28.06km²) situated south east of the capital Poitiers, near to the Vienne River at an altitude of 70m to 148m.  The N147 (Poitiers (39km) to Limoges (91km)) passes through the town, and the D727 takes traffic east to Montmorillon (12km).   The town has a TER regional rail link, and this enables access to Poitiers Gare, where it is possible to connect with the TGV.  The nearest commercial airport is at Poitiers Biard (48km) with year-round flights to the UK, although there are reduced services in winter.
See also:  Civaux, Montmorillon

Climate

The climate in Lussac les Chateaux is driven by the Atlantic Ocean.  Average summer temperatures are between 23C and 26C (11C to 13C low), and in winter this drops to 8C to 9C (2C to 3C low).  The wettest month is normally October with 54mm, and the driest is March with 26mm.  Lussac les Chateaux is part of a zone that receives between 1750 and 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism

Lussac les Chateaux is recognised for its archaeological discoveries, many of which date back to 15,000 years BC.  Probably the most famous is the Grotte de la Marche, discovered in 1937/8, a cave full of archaeological treasures, such as tools and engraved designs on plates of limestone, many depicting animals and people.  Many of these items are on display at the Raymond Touchard Museum in the town.  Lussac les Chateaux is a medieval town and there are 3 walks set out to help visitors discover the architecture of the period and the history of the town.  The lake was constructed in 1492, and there was formerly a castle between the lake and the town, previously occupied by John Chandos, a descendant of the lords that followed William the Conqueror.  The castle was destroyed completely in the 17^th century, and people used the stones to build houses.  The Church St Marie-Magdeleine was originally a 12^th century structure, but was extensively rebuilt in the 19^th century.

The town has a programme of mainly summer events planned, and the Concours Hippique National Pro2, is an equestrian event held annually in August (over 2 days).

Facilities

Lussac les Chateaux has a selection of restaurants, shops and facilities on offer in the town centre.  The nearest indoor swimming pool is the aquatic centre at Civaux 8km away.  The lake is overlooked by the remains of the old castle, and offers fishing, walks, a picnic area and children's playground.

Economy

Lussac les Chateaux is part of the Montmorillon economic zone which has an unemployment rate of 6.7%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).  The biggest single company here is Poitou Carburants-Tabaud (suppliers of domestic fuel).

Education

There are both state and private nursery and primary schools here, and a state Secondary school (College).   The nearest colleges (Lycee) are at Montmorillon (12km).

Key Stats

84% of properties here are classed as primary residences, with 7.6% classed as second homes.  There are more females than males resident here (52.2% vs 47.8%). There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (30.3% vs 21.3%), and there are more retired people here also (25.3% vs 18.2%).  22.4% of the population are below the age of 19.

 

Key Facilities and Services:

Supermarket	Hairdresser	Post Office
Bakers	Bank	Dentist
Cafe/Bar	Pharmacy	DIY Store
Restaurants	Doctor	Library
Tabac	Butcher