The best cycling routes around Saint-Cyr

🏭 1. A museum set up in the former “Manu” Le Grand Atelier - Museum of Art and Industry is located on the site of the former Châtellerault Arms Factory ("Manufacture d’armes"). The Manufacture was created by royal ordinance on July 14, 1819, under Louis XVIII. Construction began in 1820. Its location in Châtellerault was notably due to the presence of the Vienne river, which allowed for the use of hydraulic energy, and the existence of a significant local tradition of cutlery and metallurgy. Initially, it mainly produced edged weapons: sabers, swords, lances, and cuirasses. From the 1830s onwards, production also turned to firearms. The Manufacture gradually became a huge industrial complex, employing several thousand people. It played a considerable role in the economic and social history of Châtellerault. 🔧 2. The museum building The building now occupied by the Grand Atelier is particularly interesting. It is part of the former assembly and finishing workshop, built between 1886 and 1887, notably in the context of the production of the Lebel rifle. It is a characteristic industrial building from the late 19th century, with vast spaces, large glass bays, and saw-tooth roofs allowing for significant natural light. It is now protected as heritage. The Manufacture closed permanently in 1968. 🚗 3. The birth of the automobile museum After the closure of the Manufacture, part of the buildings was reused for cultural purposes. As early as 1969, the site hosted a museum, notably stemming from Bernard de Lassée's vehicle collection. It was first named Musée de la Technique et de l’Automobile, then became Musée Auto-Moto-Vélo. The town of Châtellerault acquired part of Bernard de Lassée's collection and gradually developed the museum. The collections include, in particular, vintage cars, motorcycles, bicycles, engines, posters, and accessories, featuring prestigious brands such as Panhard-Levassor, Delahaye, Talbot, Darracq, or Bugatti. 🏛️ 4. The merger with the former Sully museum This is an important step in understanding why the museum today bears the name “museum of art and industry”. Châtellerault also had another museum, located in the Hôtel Sully, dedicated to the history and heritage of the town: archaeology, fine arts, weapons, cutlery, ethnology, local artists, etc. Gradually, the collections of the two institutions were brought together on the site of the former Manufacture. The Ministry of Culture thus indicates that the collections were regrouped on the Manufacture site, first under the name Musée de la technique et de l’automobile, then Musée Auto-Moto-Vélo, and finally Grand Atelier. 🎭 5. The transformation into “Grand Atelier” After significant renovations, the museum was reorganized and took its current name in 2019: Le Grand Atelier – Musée d’art et d’industrie. It is therefore no longer just a museum dedicated to automobiles. It now offers three main tours: 🚗 Auto-Moto-Vélo: the evolution of transport from the 19th century to the 2000s; 🔫 Manufacture d’armes: the industrial and social history of the “Manu” and its workers; 🎭 Cabaret du Chat Noir: dedicated to Rodolphe Salis, born in Châtellerault and founder of the famous Montmartre cabaret. The museum now covers over 3,000 m² of exhibition space. An important clarification It is therefore necessary to distinguish: - The Arms Factory (“La Manufacture d’armes”) → the large industrial site created in 1819, closed in 1968. - The Grand Atelier building → a former workshop of the Manufacture, built in 1886-1887. - Le Grand Atelier – Museum of Art and Industry → the museum gradually created on this site, whose current name dates from 2019. - And the former Sully museum → a historic museum institution in Châtellerault, part of whose collections have been integrated into the Grand Atelier.

Luxury hotel and restaurant project. From the outside, the castle is interesting to see. It reminds me of the Château de Pierrefonds, in a miniature version. It is classified as a historic monument,

Imperial!

He's a real eye-catcher!

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Museum to visit!

Hotel La Ville in Poitiers

The Gallo-Roman Theatre of Old Poitiers is a major archaeological site located in the Vienne department, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. This ancient theatre is one of the remains of the Gallo-Roman period in France. Cultural Importance Heritage: The Gallo-Roman Theatre of Old Poitiers is a precious testimony to Roman civilisation in Gaul and is part of the city's rich historical heritage. It offers insights into cultural and social life in Roman times. Education: The site also serves as an educational tool to understand Roman architecture and ancient theatrical practices, enriching visitors' knowledge of ancient history. The Gallo-Roman Theatre of Old Poitiers is therefore a must-see site for ancient history enthusiasts and visitors interested in Gallo-Roman heritage, offering a fascinating journey into the past. Guided tours possible by appointment.