Bougneau

Bougneau is a West commune with 580 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Charente -Maritime in the Poitou -Charentes.

Location

Bougneau is located about 26 meters above sea level. inst at a distance of about 22 kilometers ( driving distance ) south-east of Saintes in the cultural landscape of the Saintonge. The capital of the canton, Pons is located about four kilometers to the southwest. The river flows into Seugne about a mile west past the place. Other cities with impressive Romanesque churches are just a few kilometers in radius spread: Pérignac, Avy, Échebrune, Chadenac, Biron, Marignac et al.

Demographics

Since the first census in France in 1793, the population of the town has remained stable on the whole. After the turn of the millennium is - due to the proximity to the city Pons - a slight increase in the population determine.

Economy

The agriculture ( grain and wine) still plays the largest role in the economy of the small community, which belongs to the wine-growing region of Cognac Fins Bois in the region. In the 1970s and 1980s, the rental cottages ( gîtes ) is added as a source of income.

History

About the history of Bougneau specific information is not published. However, the history of the site is likely to be closely linked with that of Saintes and Pons. In 1826, merged the previously independent neighboring village Montignac (about 150 inhabitants) with Bougneau.

Attractions

• The Church of Bougneau dates back in parts to the 11th century and is one of the oldest in Saintonge; but it was fundamentally transformed in the 15th century, so that was preserved only slightly from the old church. The divided into two horizontal sections west facade is completely unadorned; the jagged portal and the figure frame above it have been added in the late Gothic period (15th century) - as well as the two lateral buttresses. Only the console frieze located under the pediment comes still the original construction period. The former single nave interior has been extended on the north side to a side aisle in the 15th century (?); both parts are provided with wooden ceilings. The crossing was a ribbed vault. The two-storey vestibule design seems to belong to the 12th century - both floors have deep spatially -plastic -designed blind arcades. The ground floor is blind arcades with arches, the floor does not usually show in the middle of a segmental arch, beside this two triangular ' mitres ' ( arcs en miter ), which are widely used in tolosaner space, in Saintonge, however, occur. The exterior has the nave more - added at a later time to stabilize - buttresses and a rectangular apse sheathed. The church is recognized as a monument historique since 1913.
• In the surroundings of the place are two well-preserved and partially restored windmills ( Moulin de Levreau and Moulin de Renclos ).