Berneuil (Charente-Maritime)

Berneuil is a West commune with 1109 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Charente -Maritime in the Poitou -Charentes.

Location

Berneuil located approximately 60 meters above sea level. inst and approximately half the travel distance between Saintes (about 13 kilometers to the north ) and the cantonal capital Pons (about 10 kilometers south-east ) in the cultural landscape of the Saintonge. Other cities with impressive Romanesque churches are just a few kilometers away: Pérignac, Bougneau, Échebrune, Avy, Chadenac, Biron, Marignac et al.

Demographics

In the first census in France in 1793 Berneuil had a good 1,400 inhabitants. Towards the end of the 19th century migrated from many residents because of the phylloxera crisis. The population growth in recent decades is largely due to the low land prices compared to the neighboring cities of Saintes and Pons and the resulting immigration.

Economy

There are mainly agricultural goods produced (cereals, wine and cattle). The viticulture was greatly taken back in the second half of the 19th century because of the infestation of vines by phylloxera. Nevertheless, the place is one of the Fins Bois Cognac wine region. Tourism also, that is primarily the rental of apartments ( gîtes ) plays a certain role in the economic life of the community.

History

Berneuil is located in a historic area with traces from the Neolithic period, dating from Roman times and the Gallo-Roman period. It lies in the catchment area of ​​an ancient Roman road ( Via Agrippa ), the ( Burtigala ) with Saintes ( Mediolanum Santonum ) joined once Bordeaux and the remnants have been preserved, and the medieval Via Turonensis in the network of Pilgrimage Routes to Santiago de Compostela.

Attractions

German war cemetery

Church of Notre- Dame-de- l'Assomption

• The church of Notre -Dame-de - l'Assomption with their unusual towering crossing tower makes - at first sight - for a church building in the Saintonge comparatively little structured and unadorned impression - a closer look reveals, however, on the south and east sides of the crossing tower remains of walls that offer a glimpse formerly an exceptionally beautiful and high tower. And in fact - the Romanesque church of the 12th century must have been hit hard in the Huguenot wars ( 1562-1598 ) affected and was eventually restored makeshift and tasteless in the 17th century. The same is true for the west facade - here shows only the tympanonlose west portal is a restored 19th century decor on the front of the Archivolts arc. The white plastered and fitted with a wooden roof nave is divided internally into three bays; while the south wall is divided with large arcades, the wall on the north side is a product of the reconstruction. The church building is classified as a monument historique since 1907. In the crypt of human bones were found, probably dating from the fallen of the battle between the troops of the Prince of Condé ( Fronde ) and the King of France in 1652 near Berneuil.

Other

• The area formed from a mixture of (wine ) fields and forest is ideal for walks and hikes. Some wineries offer on request also wine and cognac tastings ( dégustations ).