Manufacture d'armes de Châtellerault

The Manufacture d'armes de Châtellerault is a large former weapons factory in the city that stretches across the canal area and features two distinctive red brick chimneys rising from the skyline. The site combines historic workshop buildings with contemporary facilities including a museum and public spaces for recreation.

The factory was founded by royal decree in 1819 as a sword-making center and later shifted to firearm production as demand changed. A turning point came in 1886 when the site became home to development of the first smokeless powder rifle, establishing its role as a center of weapons innovation.

The site reflects the city's identity as an industrial center where craftsmanship shaped everyday life for generations. You can observe how former workshop spaces have become places where local heritage is remembered and shared.

The site sits between the canal and river and is easy to navigate on foot, with nearby recreational facilities for various activities. Boat tours operate regularly along the Vienne and offer a different perspective of the complex from the water.

The site now houses the central archive for French military armament records and personnel files that researchers can access. Few visitors realize this former factory has become a crucial resource for anyone studying French military history in depth.