Châteauroux

Châteauroux
Châteauroux is located in France
Châteauroux
Administration
Country France
Region Centre
Department Indre
Arrondissement Châteauroux
Canton Chief town of 4 cantons
Intercommunality Castelroussine
Mayor Jean-François Mayet
(2001–2008)
Statistics
Elevation 132–164 m (433–538 ft)
(avg. 154 m/505 ft)
Land area1 25.54 km2 (9.86 sq mi)
Population2 49,632  (1999)
 - Density 1,943 /km2 (5,030 /sq mi)
INSEE/Postal code 36044/ 36000
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.
2 Population sans doubles comptes: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once.

Châteauroux is the capital of the Indre department in central France and the second-largest town in Berry, after Bourges. Its residents are called Castelroussines or Castelroussins.

Châteauroux is one of the communes awarded the grand prize by the Concours National des Villes et Villages Fleuris, a beautification initiative begun in 1959.

Contents

Geography and climate

Châteauroux lies on the Indre River 250 km (155 miles) south of Paris and 142 km (88 miles) south of Orléans. It is situated on the edge of the government-owned Châteauroux forest and the Brenne national park. The city boasts 450 hectares (1112 acres) of parks, amounting to 52 m² (560 ft²) for each resident. Châteauroux's average elevation is 154 m (505 ft) above sea level.

Châteauroux enjoys a mild climate. Temperature extremes range from an average January low of 0.8°C (33°F) to an average August high of 25.1°C (77°F).

History

The old town, close to the river, forms a nucleus around which a newer and more extensive quarter, bordered by boulevards, has grown up; the suburbs of St. Christophe and Déols lie on the right bank of the Indre. The castle from which the city takes its name was built in the latter part of the 10th century by Raoul, prince of Déols. During the Middle Ages it was the seat of a seigniory, which was raised to the rank of countship in 1497. In 1616, when it was held by Henry II, prince of Condé, it was raised to the rank of duchy. In 1736 it returned to the crown, and was given to Marie Anne de Mailly-Nesle, duchess of Châteauroux, by Louis XV in 1744. The present Château Raoul housing the préfecture offices dates from the fifteenth century.

Landmarks

Festivals

Transport

The Gare de Châteauroux railway station offers direct connections to Paris, Orleans, Limoges, Toulouse and several regional destinations. The A20 motorway connects Châteauroux with Vierzon, Brive-la-Gaillarde and Toulouse.

Personalities born in Châteauroux

Other personalities

International relations

Châteauroux is twinned with:

See also

References

External links