Saint-Christophe-en-Brionnais

Saint -Christophe -en- brionnais is a commune in the French department of Saône- et- Loire of the Burgundy region. In the municipality of 500 inhabitants ( 1 January 2011).

Location

Saint- Christophe is located at an altitude of about 430 meters above sea level. inst in the ancient cultural landscape of the brionnais. The place is located about 22 km ( driving distance ) south of Paray -le- Monial and about 37 kilometers north of Roanne. The places worth seeing Anzy -le- Duc, Semur -en- brionnais, Iguerande, Marcigny, Saint -Julien -de- Jonzy and Charlieu all lie within a radius of 15 kilometers.

Demographics

In the 19th century the place had at times over 1,000 inhabitants. The phylloxera crisis and the mechanization of agriculture ensured since for a significant population decline.

Economy

The hilly surroundings of Saint -Christophe has always been dominated by agriculture, and up into the 19th century and viticulture was operated. Meanwhile, the cattle ( Charolais cattle ) plays a major role. The place itself functioned until the early 20th century as a craft, trade and service center for several hamlets and isolated farmsteads in the area. In the resort place several times a year, a large cattle market ( marché au cadran ) instead; the roof of the hall is provided with a photovoltaic system.

History

In the Middle Ages, Saint -Christophe seat of a barony, which belonged to the house Semur. The local cattle market has been handed down since the 15th century. During the French Revolution, the place in Bel-Air -les- Foires renamed.

Attractions

• The formerly middle of the local cemetery standing parish church ( Église Saint -Hugues ) is a three-aisled neo-classical building of the 18th century with a two-storey bell tower on the west side.
• From the former castle of the Barony of the 15th century only a round corner tower has survived with a conical roof.