Montmorillon, Vienne

Description:

Geography and Transport Links

Montmorillon is a Medieval town situated in the South Eastern corner of the Vienne Department (commune area 57km²), close to the borders with Haute Vienne (Limousin) and Indre (Centre), at an altitude from 82m to 168m.  It is close to the RN147 that runs between the Regional Capital Poitiers and Limoges.  There is a regional rail link here, and further services (such as the TGV) can be reached through Poitiers Gare (45mins).  The picturesque Gartempe River runs through the town.  The nearest commercial airport is at Poitiers Biard (60km) with seasonal flights to the UK.  Limoges Bellegarde airport is also an option (82km) with a wider range of year-round services.
See also:  La Trimoulle, Lathus-St Remy, Lussac les Chateaux

Climate

Climate here is maritime, and therefore temperate with clearly defined seasons.  Average Summer temperatures are between 23C to 26C (11C-13C night), and in Winter this drops to 8C to 9C (2C night).  As with much of Poitou Charentes, the Autumn can be warm, with average temperatures in Sept of 22C and Oct 17C.  However, October and November are usually the wettest months.  Montmorillon is within an area that receives between 1750 and 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism

Known as the Cite de l'Ecrit [City of Writing], Montmorillon prides itself as a ‘booktown' and hosts a bi-annual Selon du Livre [Book Festival].  The old Brouard quarter of the town was restored in 2000, and the medieval buildings let out to booksellers, craftsmen, artists and experts in ancient books.  A key historical site to visit is La Maison Dieu, an 11^th Century Hospital Monastery including  Chapelle Saint-Laurent and L'Octagone the 12^th Century funerary crypt.  Nearby at Lathus, the Centre du Plein Air offers fishing, kayaking, horse riding and orienteering.  Also close by is the L'Isle aux Serpents [Snakes Island], the Val de Vienne racing circuit.  The town is home to the macaroon biscuit [with almonds), and there is a museum and shop dedicated to the subject at the Rannou-Metivier House.   There is a huge market at nearby Les Herolles on the 29^th of each month.

Economy

Montmorillon 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 businesses in Montmorillon are SUVIGA (Hyper U supermarkets) and COVIMO (abbatoir).

Facilities

The town has an indoor swimming pool, and other facilities include tennis and gymnastics.  The local football club (UESM) has teams for all ages (6+ to Veterans).  Not far away at Lathus is a large equestrian centre, and at Civaux is an aquatic centre.  There are over 10 restaurants in the town and a Cinema (La Majestic).  The town has 2 libraries, 4 pharmacies and a choice of over 9 Doctors.

Education

There is a choice of 3 state Nursery/Primary schools, 1 state High School (College), and 1 state College (Lycee).  In addition there is a private option up to High School age, through the Catholic Institution Saint Martial.  There are a number of options at Lycée level, with a number of professional (such as agricultural) colleges available. 

Key Stats

84.1% of properties here are classed as primary residences, with 4.4% classed as second homes.  There are more females than males resident here (52.9%), and there are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (28.7% vs 21.3%).  There are more retired people here than against the national average (24.9% vs 18.2%).  22.4% of the population are below the age of 19.

Key Facilities and Services: