Balanzac

Balanzac is a West commune with 520 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Charente -Maritime in the Poitou -Charentes.

Location

Balanzac lies at an altitude of about 25 meters above sea level. inst in the historic cultural landscape of the Saintonge about 17 km ( driving distance ) west of Saintes and 31 kilometers southeast of Rochefort.

Demographics

In the 19th century the place was always between 500 and 650 inhabitants. The phylloxera crisis and the mechanization of agriculture led to a population decline, which could be stopped in the last few decades because of its proximity to the cities of Saintes and Rochefort, and the comparatively low rents and land prices in Balanzac.

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 ). Balanzac one of the Bois ordinaires et communs of the vineyard Cognac, but most grapes are processed into wine and Pineau des Charentes.

History

The fact that the place has a Romanesque church, suggests a long colonization. Along with the neighboring community Nancras he joined on 1 January 2013 at the Association of Municipalities Communauté de communes Charente -Arnoult - Cœur de Saintonge.

Attractions

• The small parish church ( Église Sainte -Madeleine ) from the 12th century was remodeled in the 19th century and is situated just outside the village on the edge of a small hill. It is a simple unadorned building with a small octagonal belfry with spire, which also served as a chapel for many years. The nave interior has unarticulated walls and an open roof; the walls of the slightly elevated choir and the apse are easily drawn inwards and covered by a barrel vault.

Nave, chancel and apse

Nave - > Vests

• The Château de Balanzac is a plant from the 15th century, but this was in the time of the religious wars in the 16th century surrounded by a wall and with their flock watch tower ( échauguettes ) definitely still breathe a medieval flair. In the following centuries, the plant, which is more like an estate has been enhanced. It is privately owned and is recognized as a monument historique since 1957.