Loudun is a small town and
commune of approximately 9,000 inhabitants in the
Vienne département and in the
Poitou-Charentes région of
France. It is located south of the town of
Chinon and 25 km to the east of the town
Thouars. The area south of Loudun is the place of origin of a significant portion of the
Acadians, one of the early founding people of New France and Canada.
Demographics
Sights
An ancient town, Loudun contains numerous old streets, and buildings and monuments of which five are Government-listed monuments. It is also the location of a
vicus type archaeological site.
Loudun possessions
Loudun was the site of hysteria concerning the mass possession of nuns by the Devil in 1634.
Miscellaneous
Famous Loudunois
Loudun is the birthplace of:
- Théophraste Renaudot (1586-1653), medical practitioner, inventor of French written press, journalist, philanthropist
- Marie Besnard, accused of poisoning in the '50s in what was a very mediatized trial; her story was the subject of a successful tv movie and of several books
- René Monory, mayor of Loudun, senator of Vienne, president of the French Senate, Minister of Education, president of the Vienne General Council, fonder of the Futuroscope park of Poitiers
Loudun is the place of death of:
- André Andrejew (16 March 1967), French-Russian classic film production designer, built decors for movies produced in Germany, France, England and the US.
Sister city
See also
