LA MANU

The Manu site is synonymous with renaissance. It's a must-see in Châtellerault. Its architecture and history are a bridge between the city's past, present and future. Just over 200 years ago, in 1819, an arms factory was set up here, on the banks of the Vienne river. Over the years, the factory's workforce grew from around a hundred to over 8,000 "manuchards", producing edged weapons and then firearms. The town lived to the rhythm of the sirens that signaled the start and end of services. Today, the converted buildings house a museum (the Grand Atelier musée d'art et d'industrie), an ice skating rink (La Forge, for ice skating in winter and roller skating in summer), the Clément-Janequin Conservatoire de musique et de danse, the national circus school, rooms for associations, a skate park and a lovely promenade... The site has preserved its rich industrial and technical heritage, while modernizing and offering a wide range of events: cruise aboard the Jehan Martin, stroll through the Director's Garden (and discover its remarkable trees), exceptional panoramic views from the top of the Vilmouth Towers... Guided tours of the site are offered by the Tourist Office. The year is also punctuated by a number of special events: Ici l'été (a summer activity program featuring canoeing, reading, parkour, etc.), ManUrban (urban culture festival in September), Gravel Fever (gravel festival in October) and the Solstice de la Glisse (December).