Archigny is a commune in Vienne, in the New Aquitaine region, 30 km north-east of Poitiers.
Crossed by several rivers including the Ozon, vast of 66 km ², the territory is made up of a village and many hamlets. On the edge of Poitou and on the borders of Touraine and Berry, it presents a green and discreetly hilly landscape made up of groves and meadows.
The town is famous for having welcomed in 1773 and 1774 Acadians driven out by the English and who, refugees in France, were invited to settle to clear and cultivate land. Most, however, returned to America after a few years.
Much later, during the Second War, the demarcation line separating the north of occupied France and the south administered by the Vichy authorities passed through the locality.
Now with around 1,100 inhabitants, Archigny has retained an essentially agricultural economy (cultivation of cereals, cattle and sheep breeding).
Its heritage and its environment make it a pleasant stopover for lovers of green tourism.
Archigny has a quality historical heritage which includes the site of the Abbey Notre-Dame de l'Étoile, founded in the 12th century by Isambaut de l'Étoile, whose brother Pierre was for his part at the origin of the abbey by Fontgombault.
The abbey of Archigny was tested by the Hundred Years War then the Wars of Religion and was thus rebuilt in the 17th century. However, it never regained its original prosperity and after the Revolution it became the center of a farm. Now protected as historical monuments, the site preserves architectural elements of interest (chapter house, chapel, cloister garden). Permanent and temporary exhibitions are presented. Price: 4.50 and 6 euros. Information on +33 5 49 46 80 65.
Also worth seeing is the church of Saint-Georges, the bases of which date from the 12th century, but which was rebuilt in the 18th century after being badly damaged during the Wars of Religion and then during a storm in 1711. It still houses today bronze bells, a pulpit and carved woodwork from the old abbey, dating from the 18th century.
On the civil level, the domain of La Talbadière is worth a detour. It is an isolated manor house in the countryside which was owned in the 17th century by a king's squire, who embellished it.
However, it is the Acadian Line farm-museum that is the pride and originality of the local heritage: the building that was one of the farms erected in the 18th century to accommodate Acadian refugees has been renovated and refurbished. We discover through period objects and furniture as well as many documents the history of these families descended from French emigrants in America and who returned for a time to find asylum in the region to clear land. Open from June to September. Information on +33 5 49 85 31 26 or +33 5 49 21 54 39.
In terms of "nature" activities and leisure, it should be noted that the town has tennis courts and a multi-sport field (contact on +33 5 49 85 31 26).
However, it is the Prés de la Fontaine recreation area with its lake, its pétanque and volleyball courts on the banks, its play areas and picnic areas, which attracts families in summer.. An arboretum has been created for the enjoyment of walkers. The green setting of the base is appreciated, as is the pond, but swimming is only authorized and supervised in July and August.
The lake can also satisfy fishing enthusiasts, just like the course of the Ozon. Find out about the regulations on +33 6 09 84 14 75.
As for hiking, several thematic routes have been drawn and marked on the municipal territory, dedicated to history (reception of Acadian refugees) or to the richness of the landscape (rivers dotted with mills, groves, brandes - areas covered with moors testifying to the clearing of long ago -).
Tours dedicated to mountain bikers crossing the town and covering the whole of the Châtellerault region are also available to amateurs. Maps and information on +33 5 49 21 05 47.
Finally, on the cultural level, the media library of Archigny offers events and exhibitions. Information on +33 5 49 02 08 49.
August 15, Acadian Day with folklore, cultural and musical entertainment.
The first Sunday in September, gourmet market with fun and musical entertainment.
Inauguration de la Matérialisation de la Ligne de Démarcation
- On 5 may 2024
- Carrefour de la Chaussée, La Chaussée
- During the Second World War, the Demarcation Line divided our commune into two zones : a free zone and an occupied zone. Today, the Demarcation Line in our commune is the result of this significant event in our history. - From La Gorlière on the D17 to the Bouchaux crossroads on the D3, the Demarcation Line is now marked and signposted. The line crosses the Acadian Line at Croix de Justice. - My Municipal Council and I are delighted to invite you to the inauguration of this new project on Sunday May 5,2024 at 11am at the Chaussée crossroads, at the junction of the D9 and D17. - A wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Bouchaux monument at 9:30 a.m., then at the Archigny war memorials at 10 a.m.
Ciné Chez Nous - Archigny - "La Promesse Verte"
- On 16 may 2024
- 38 rue Roger Furgé, Salle des fêtes, Archigny
- Le ciné chez nous proposes : - Thursday, April 18 at the salle des fêtes in Archigny at 8:30 p.m - The Green Promise - Film by Edouard Bergeon with Alexandra Lamy, Félix Moati, Sofian Khammes - Synopsis and details : - In an attempt to save her son Martin, unjustly condemned to death in Indonesia, Carole embarks on an unequal battle against the palm oil companies responsible for deforestation and against powerful industrial lobbies.
900 ans de l'Abbaye de l’Étoile
- On 8 june 2024
- Abbaye de l'Etoile, Lieu-dit L'Étoile
- Saturday, June 8,2024 from 40am to 4pm : - Lectures : medievalist, Cistercian specialist, archivist-paleographer, archivist.., - Aperitif lunch - Reservations required
