Town twinning

Châtellerault signed a friendship pact with Hamilton in 1993.

Situated between Poitiers and Tours along the banks of the Vienne River in the Loire Valley, Châtellerault is known as the "Cite du Bon Acceuil", the town of warm welcomes.

More than 1000 years old, Châtellerault's rich history and beautiful gardens make it a popular stop with tourists. There's lots to see, from the archaeological and the automobile museums to the Jacques Church, Henri IV bridge and philosopher Rene Descartes' home. Châtellerault was also the home of the Montgolfier brothers who flew the first hot air balloon, and the town holds an annual balloon festival.

Formerly the town was a centre for arms manufacturing but it now focuses on advanced technology. There are also many further education establishments and research laboratories in the area as well as 10 industrial zones within a 230km radius, making it an attractive location for new enterprise.

It has historic links with Hamilton dating back to 1548 and gave its name to the Duke of Hamilton's Chatelherault hunting lodge.