Aynac

Aynac ( Occitan: Ainac ) is a southern French village with 604 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011). It is located in the cultural landscape of the Quercy in the Lot department in the Midi-Pyrénées region.

Location

Aynac lies at an altitude of about 350 meters above sea level. inst on the southwestern edge of the Massif Central in the territory of the Causse de Gramat. The nearest town is Cahors, about 70 km ( driving distance ) away in a southwesterly direction. The westernmost location Gramat is about 13 kilometers away; the medieval pilgrimage site of Rocamadour is another ten kilometers to the west.

Demographics

Until the mid-19th century the place had always 1250-1500 inhabitants. As a result of the phylloxera crisis in the wine and the mechanization of agriculture has declined, the population since the second half of the 19th century continuously reaching its low point in the last decades back.

Economy

In skin -Quercy agriculture was operated primarily for self-catering, which included the wine until the 19th century, but was abandoned almost entirely after the phylloxera crisis. Today - in addition to the livestock and poultry sectors - tourism in the form of apartment rentals ( gîtes ) a major role in the economy of the community.

History

In the high Middle Ages Aynac was between the landlord ( seigneurs ) of Castelnau and Cardaillac controversial; since the 14th century it belonged to the Vice- county Turenne, whose members had it up to the French Revolution in their possession.

Attractions

• The Parish Church ( Église Saint- Geniès ) is a construction of the second half of the 12th century, whose nave nave was, however, together with its portal facade thoroughly revised in the late 19th century. Only the eastern parts ( apse, transept with apses and the basement of the octagonal crossing tower ) appear broadly equivalent to the original state, which by the other type of roofing - is made clear - stone shingles ( roofing stones ) instead of slate. The building was recognized in 1913 as a monument historique.
• Although let the Eckrundtürme think of the late Middle Ages, the castle of Aynac stems largely from around 1500. Built by Jacquette de Ricard de Genouillac, sister of the lords of the castle of approximately 15 kilometers south of the castle Assier. The many rectangular windows of the fortified tower ( donjon ) seem to have been added later. The castle is owned by the municipality, which rented it on special occasions; it was made in 1988 under protection.
• A wash house ( lavoir ) from the 19th century has also been preserved.