If it is books that you are after, you are spoilt for choice. The Cité de l’Écrit has specialists in children’s literature (great for picking up an educational present for anyone studying French), plus bookshops dedicated to French gastronomy and cookery in general, well-being, science-fiction and cartoons. Many of the bookshop owners speak English, so don’t hesitate to step in for a browse – a warm welcome awaits you.

Art galleries & pottery workshops attest to Montmorillon’s reputation for inspiring artists, as well as writers and writing (the novel the ‘The Blue Bicycle’ was written by Régine Desforges, one of Montmorillon’s most famous inhabitants.) In high season, short courses / initiations are available in everything from watercolour and oil painting to Chinese calligraphy. Details of the courses available can be found at the Preface (3, rue Bernard Harent), The Cité de l’Écrit’s main reception and welcome area, where English-speaking staff are also available, or at the local Tourist Office at the main square “place Leclerc”.