Chalais (Charente)

Chalais is a southwestern French village with 1830 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Charente in the Poitou -Charentes.

Location

Chalais is located at a height of about 60 to 80 meters above sea level. inst Tude on the River in the extreme south of the department of Charente. The place is located about 50 km ( driving distance ) south of Angoulême; the town of Perigueux is located about 65 kilometers to the east. The interesting neighboring towns of Saint- Aulaye and Aubeterre -sur -Dronne located about 13 kilometers south-east or twelve miles to the east.

Demographics

Since the first census in France in 1793, the population of Chalais has been steadily increasing.

Economy

The inhabitants live mainly from agriculture and forestry, as well as crafts and small trade. A smaller companies in the office furniture manufacturing was moved, a small part of the workforce then founded a new company and continued on their own. But even the rental of holiday homes and apartments ( gîtes ) plays an important role in the economic life of the community.

History

From the 13th century to the French Revolution, the basic rule ( seigniory ) was higher than Chalais at the family Talleyrand -Périgord, whose members called themselves " Prince of Chalais ."

Attractions

• The castle was for centuries the seat of the family Talleyrand -Périgord. A castle is occupied already for the 11th century, but in its present form it is largely a new building of the 16th century. The Torburg ( châtelet ) has a drawbridge and even the mighty flank tower still shows medieval elements ( machikoulis ); the strict lines of the residential tract (corps de logis ), however, correspond to contemporary tastes. The castle is recognized as a monument historique since 2003.

Torburg ( châtelet )

Patio

• The three-nave Romanesque church of Saint -Martial was probably once a priory of the monastery of Saint -Martial in Limoges. After heavy destruction in the wars of religion only designed for a triumphal arch scheme facade is preserved in its original state. The nave was destroyed in the 16th century and rebuilt in little simple forms later. The portal has a Archivolts - reminiscent of Moorish idols - multiple jagged arc as internal financial statements and is thus the churches of Celles- sur -Belle and Aubeterre -sur -Dronne comparable. In Tympanonfeld the right blend portal to find remnants of an Adoration of the Magi. The interior of the church is a - covered wooden ceiling - partially painted. The facade is classified as a Monument historique since 1902.
• The church belonged to a monastery or priory, which was abandoned before the revolution. The corresponding Cloister ( cloître ) was built in the 17th century and is now a retirement home affiliated. He is recognized as a monument historique since 1991.
• The churches of Sainte -Marie and Saint -Christophe date from the late 19th century.

Partner communities

• Chalais, Switzerland
• Bad Saulgau, Baden- Württemberg
• Stiring - Wendel, Alsace

Personalities

• Charles -Maurice de Talleyrand -Périgord (1754-1838) was Bishop of Autun, until the outbreak of the French Revolution; Diplomat later under Napoleon.