On the last day of 2025 we had decided that our last walk with Paul and Eileen should perhaps be an indoor one as we had subjected them to some rather cold outdoor ones during their visit. We chose 'Le Grand Atelier – Musée d'art et d'industrie' in Chatellerault which we had last visited as the 'Auto Moto Vélo Museum' in our early years here. We made a point of checking their website to confirm that they were open.
On arrival, just after their opening time, along with other potential visitors we found a notice saying they were closed exceptionally for this date! Shame they had not thought to put it on their website! Fortunately access to the twin chimneys via the 18-meter spiral staircase was open. It joins a steel walkway which offers a panoramic views of the town.
Up top Paul an I became shadows of former selves. 
Above is a view of Eileen taking our photo from the ground and below is her photo.This large industrial site along the Vienne River, has been successfully repurposed into a vibrant cultural, leisure, and educational hub known as 'La Manu'. It's now a multifaceted public space which hosts the 'Musée d'art et d'industrie', a skateboard park, an ice rink, a circus school among other things. More disappointed people had arrived for a visit as we left the site.
