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.
Grand Atelier, Museum of Art and IndustryTHOMAS JELINEK
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.
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.
Take a trou cabanée along the Vienne riverTHOMAS JELINEK
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.
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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.
Visit Chauvigny's ruined castlesTHOMAS JELINEK
The tourist office offers visits to the town’s five ruined castles, and on Sunday August 24 there is the Medieval Festival.
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.
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.
Montmorillon is known for its bookshop cultureMickael PLANES
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.
