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VISIT CASTLES, ADMIRE MEDIEVAL ARCHITECTURE, EXPLORE THE LOCAL HISTORY, AND UNCOVER CULTURAL GEMS Vienne (Nouvelle-Aquitaine) is best known for its capital city, Poitiers, however this

French department has lots more to offer. It is well worth stopping off at these three towns that are brimming with local history and beautiful landscapes, from ruins of ancient churches, to

medieval town centres and picturesque river views. CHATELLERAULT Up-and-coming Chatellerault, just north of Poitiers, is reached via the A10 and/or the D910 which form a corridor between

the two cities.  There are a few pedestrianised streets around the central square, but the main attraction is the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, in the so-called Grande Atelier of the

sprawling factory buildings which used to produce arms. In 1819, Chatellerault was chosen as the site for a state-owned arms factory because it was already home to metal-workers. Production

started with knives, swords and sabres, and evolved into gun-making. Read also: Follow your nose on a scent-sational tour of France’s spring flowers When the Manufacture d'Armes (known

locally as 'La Manu') closed in 1968, some buildings were demolished, others turned into training centres, an ice rink was constructed and a car museum was opened. With dozens of

bicycles, scooters, motorbikes and cars from all eras of the last century, it is a magnet for anyone interested in the history of French transport.  There is also a small section given over

to the history of the arms factory, and another spotlighting the life of Rudolphe Salis, who was born in Chatellerault and who established the famous Chat Noir cabaret in Montmartre. Just

opposite the museum, in the summer months you can take a boat along the Vienne river on a traditional boat called a trou cabanée.  CHAUVIGNY A beautiful medieval town, Chauvigny is worth

visiting all year round but it really comes alive in July and August with the Géants du Ciel falconry show at the Château des Evêques from July 12 to August 24.  The tourist office offers

visits to the town’s five ruined castles, and on Sunday August 24 there is the Medieval Festival.  Read also: Vienne attracts tourists with theme parks, zoos and hot air balloons Should you

feel the need for a medieval tipple or some jewellery, stop off at L'Atanyere boutique in the Place du Donjon. This is also the place to buy a kirtle, a wooden sword, or even a rough

shift.  The sprawling market on Saturday morning is crowded all year round, and the VéloRail is also a popular attraction with families during the summer months. Read more: Ten top science

museums to visit in France MONTMORILLON Celebrated for paper-making in the 19th Century, from 1848 the town became better known for brewing beer but these days it is one of France's

eight 'cités du livre et de l'écrit'.  The medieval centre is crammed with bookshops, literary museums, libraries, art galleries and bookbinding workshops.  This was

established at the turn of the century by author Régine Deforges, when her novel La Bicyclette Bleue became France's most popular novel in 2000.  It also has a Musée des Macarons,

although you may prefer to skip the education and just head straight to the bakery to buy some. Read also: From chicken-shaped cabins to alcoholic seafood soup: eight quirky facts about

Vienne