Its location on the banks of the Vienne, its small canal, its garden that looks like the end of the world and its industrial heritage fully reinvested for cultural and sporting leisure make the site of the old arms factory one of my favorite spots in Châtellerault.
And since this summer many events have taken up residence there, I'm taking you with me to spend a Friday in August at La Manu, as the locals call it.
Arrival at the site parking lot
9h30
Treasure hunt at the museum
10 h
My tribe and I pass through the doors of the Grand Atelier, the art and industry museum with which I took care to reserve the public's favorite Family Experience in 2023 in Vienne: “L’Express du Grand Atelier, a return to the past”.
As the museum is closed to the public in the morning, we have the three spaces to ourselves!
Let's go on a 2-hour journey through the years 1890 to 1970. We successively wear the hats of artists, mechanics, hairy people, designers and laborers to solve the puzzle. Each station has its share of surprises and challenges to solve as a team.
Luncheon on the Grass
12 h
After this fun brainstorming, head to Director's Garden for a picnic in the shade of the magnolias. The view of the confluence of the Vienne and the Envigne lulls me… until I nap! The little ones have a blast in the new play area.
Yonder
13h30
A digestive walk is essential: we climb everything at the top of Vilmouth Towers, old chimneys from the boiler room. From the footbridge perched 20 meters above the ground, the panorama of the city and the river is impressive.
the Tourist Office
14 h
We go to the La Manu Tourist Information Office, installed for the summer next to the museum. Aurélie advises us on the day's activities.
And I take advantage of the Terroir boutique to stock up on local products in preparation for the evening snack. I opt for a spread from the Scorbé-Clairvaux mushroom farm, a lamb terrine with rosemary from the Trois Cheminées farm, crackers from Serenity Biscuits, apple juice from Vergers des Savoies, Barber's Beer from Vouneuil- sur-Vienne and a crushed one from the Biscuiterie de Lencloître.
Along the water
15 h
All generations look forward to a boat trip. I had the good idea to book a guided tour on Jehan Martin, traditional fishing boat refitted for Fluvial tourism. Departure and arrival point: the Manu canal. Destination the Chitré mill. For an hour, we discover the banks of the Vienne in a different way. Disorienting and rejuvenating.
gourmet break
16 h
For a snack, I suggest stopping at the small shop Forge (ice rink in winter, roller rink in summer). Smoothies and ice creams obtain satisfaction.
Outdoor investigation
17 h
The whole family rushes to solve The Keller Affair. Thanks to the free kit collected from the Tourist Information Office, children will get excited about the puzzles while adults (re)discover the story of La Manu. Captivating!
Dinner in short circuits
19 h
Return to the Director's Garden. This time, I choose the picnic table with a view of the factory canal to taste our assortment of local produce.
Roller gliss in La Forge
20h30
It's excitement: young people can't wait to put on skates to participate in the a dancing parties on Friday on the theme of the Olympics.
With my lover, we take the opportunity to go and admire sunset between the two tours and take stock of this surprising and varied day. Verdict: When are we coming back?
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