Saint-Porchaire

Saint- Porchaire is a commune with 1684 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Charente -Maritime in the Poitou -Charentes; it belongs to the district Saintes and the canton of Saint- Porchaire.

Location

Saint- Porchaire is approximately 15 km ( driving distance ) northwest of Saintes and about 26 kilometers southeast of Rochefort.

Demographics

Economy

For centuries agriculture for the purpose of self-sufficiency of the population played the largest role in the economy of the community. But was grown in area since the Roman time, wine was distilled since the early modern period and exported to northern Europe ( esp. England ). Saint- Porchaire is one of the Bois ordinaires et communs of the vineyard Cognac, but because of lower volumes in cognac brandies most grapes are processed into wine and Pineau des Charentes. In addition, the place to this day serves as a regional commercial, craft and service center.

History

In the caves and grottoes around Neolithic scrapers and knives were discovered flint. Finds from Gallo-Roman suggest the existence of a fortification ( castrum ); for the 11th century a parish is occupied. The Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) Saint- Porchaire stood for a long time under English rule.

Attractions

  • Church Saint Porchaire (12th - 15th century), Monument historique since 1933
  • Château de la Roche- Courbon (or Rochecourbon, 15th and 17th centuries ), Monument historique since 1946
  • Pont Napoleón ( 1800 )

Partner community

Poitou-Charentes Charente-Maritime Arrondissement Arrondissement of Saintes Cantons of France Postal codes in France France Saintes, Charente-Maritime
701707
de