The best MTB trails around Thuré

The "Tours" at the beginning of the Henri IV bridge in Châtellerault are indeed a historic complex linked to the city's old fortifications. However, they must be distinguished from the three brick towers of the former Weapons Factory. The towers are located at the end of the Henri IV bridge, on the town side, and are a remnant of the defensive system that protected the crossing of the Vienne. Two round towers remain, on the Châteauneuf side. They once framed a monumental central pavilion, which may explain the name or the impression of a set of three towers. 🏰 The history of the Henri IV bridge towers 1. Towers already existed before the current bridge The crossing of the Vienne at Châtellerault is very old. In the Middle Ages, the bridge had a major strategic and economic function. At the end of the 15th century, a document already mentions two towers built on the Châteauneuf side and connected by a vault or a central structure. They were preceded by a drawbridge. It was therefore a true monumental gate giving access to the bridge. 🏛️ But there was much more than the two current towers This is probably the point that interests us. Originally, the entrance to the bridge on the Châteauneuf side comprised: - a round tower to the north; - a round tower to the south; between them, a central pavilion with - a monumental gate; - and a drawbridge allowing access to be closed. The central pavilion was demolished in 1824. The two towers, however, were preserved. Recent archaeological research has indeed made it possible to find the foundations of the central pavilion. 🔎 And there were also two other towers! The bridge was designed in a much more monumental way than we see today. At the other end of the bridge, on the town side, there were also two square towers. They disappeared later, notably because they hindered traffic. So originally there were four towers, two at each end, to which the central pavilion on the Châteauneuf side was added. 📷 A particularly interesting old photograph The Ministry of Culture holds an old photograph titled "Tour d’entrée" (Entrance Tower), taken by Georges-Louis Arlaud (1869-1944). It shows the complex at a time when both towers still existed with their ancient appearance. See the old photograph from the Ministry of Culture⁠ https://pop.culture.gouv.fr/notice/memoire/APHF002200?utm_source=chatgpt.com And here is an old postcard of the southern entrance tower, which allows us to see the towers at the beginning of the 20th century. https://www.geneanet.org/cartes-postales/view/7912977 📍 What can be seen today The two current towers are impressive: cylindrical stone towers, topped with conical slate roofs. They belong to the City of Châtellerault, while the bridge itself is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Vienne. Interesting point: contrary to what their military appearance might suggest, these towers did not primarily have a military defense function. They were notably used for controlling entrances and, at certain periods, for sanitary control or the collection of passage tolls.

On 30/08/2026, the Francois Mitterand space, right in front of the kiosk, welcomed almost 1400 clarinettists to break the world record held by Hong Kong and entered in the Guinness Book. This has been done and recorded by an official member of the organization who came specifically for this purpose. The objective announced for months by the Poitiers conductor Emmanuel Boulanger has been largely achieved. The old record, set in Hong Kong with 448 clarinettists, has been smashed. Amateurs, music school students and professionals played together, in front of a large audience. The performance should now feature in the Guinness Book of Records. Below is the press article and video published locally. https://share.google/KJQ2WCRdVkkB0aF61

A stroll to consider!

It does not seem to me that the castle of targé is to be visited 🤔

This 15th century castle has a small park with century-old lime trees and has restored its medieval garden. It is now possible to stay there because it has been transformed into a bed and breakfast.

This 15th century castle has a small park with century-old lime trees and has restored its medieval garden. It is now possible to stay there because it has been converted into a bed and breakfast.

Impressive 15th century fortified castle. The castle is private and cannot be visited, but it is possible to spend the night there in a bed and breakfast. www.bienvenueauchateau.com/chateaux/chateau-de-la-motte/

Small lake superbly well laid out with a cycle path, hiking trails, shaded picnic tables, self-service barbecues and a small, not too expensive guinguette.