The Southern Vienne region of France is launching an extensive heritage architecture program this fall, featuring guided tours, conferences, and special events designed to showcase local architectural renovation projects. The initiative coincides with the tenth National Architecture Days scheduled from October 16-19, 2025, and the Month of Architecture program running from September 22 through October 31.
Béatrice Guyonnet, project leader for the Art and History Region at the Vienne and Gartempe Community of Communes (CCVG), announced that this year's program will particularly emphasize built heritage. "This year, we are also partnering with the Month of Architecture initiated by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC), which takes place from September 22 to October 31," Guyonnet explained.
The program features several guided heritage walks throughout the region. On Friday, October 10 at 5:00 PM in Lussac-les-Châteaux, visitors can explore the rehabilitation of the Piniers district and the former Maison de la Biche. The tour, organized in partnership with the Memory Keepers Association, will begin at the Champ-de-foire square in front of the tourist office. Participants will discover Lussac's old neighborhoods, more recent areas under renovation, and upcoming developments including the Piniers district and the former Maison de la Biche.
On Saturday, October 11 at 3:00 PM, the focus shifts to L'Isle-Jourdain's downtown revitalization efforts with a visit to the Bon Coin block, starting at the tourist office. Additionally, an ochre painting workshop led by Frédéric Chauvin will be offered in La Bussière on Saturday, October 18, from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Reservations for this workshop are required and can be made by calling 05.49.91.07.53.
Architects will play a prominent role in the program, presenting their work and achievements through open houses and construction site visits. A significant highlight will occur in Montmorillon on Wednesday, October 29 starting at 6:00 PM, where Pascal Baranger Architecture Agency will present the ongoing renovation of Montmorillon's former festival hall, which later became a cinema. A visit to the former hospital is also scheduled for Sunday, October 19 at 3:00 PM.
The autumn program includes several conferences at Montmorillon's Maison des Services, located at 6 Daniel-Cormier Street. Two notable presentations are scheduled: "How to Cross the Vienne Through the Centuries" on Friday, October 17 at 6:00 PM, and "Local Journeys and Pilgrimages" on Saturday, December 13 at 3:00 PM.
Heritage and nature walks are planned in multiple locations throughout the region. These include Haims on Sunday, October 5 at 2:30 PM (meeting in front of the church), Lhommaizé on Sunday, November 2 at 2:00 PM (meeting in front of the church), Pressac on Sunday, November 16 at 2:00 PM (meeting in front of the church), and Availles-Limouzine on Sunday, December 7 at 2:00 PM (meeting in front of the church).
A special heritage event is scheduled for Adriers on Saturday, October 25 at 2:00 PM, featuring a presentation on the restoration of the processional banners from Saint-Hilaire Church. The complete program is available on the website www.vienneetgartempe.fr and can also be found at town halls and tourist information offices throughout the region.
