Montvalent

Montvalent is a southern French village with 302 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011) in the department of Lot in the Midi-Pyrénées region.

Location

Montvalent lies on the south bank of the Dordogne opposite Creysse. By the medieval pilgrimage site of Rocamadour, there are nearly 13 km ( driving distance ) to the south. The places worth seeing Souillac and Carennac are about 23 kilometers west and 15 kilometers to the east.

Demographics

In the first half of the 19th century had always Montvalent 800-1200 inhabitants; at the beginning of the 20th century, there were still over 600 The mechanization of agriculture and the resulting loss of jobs ensured a significant population decline.

Economy

Montvalent was and still is dominated by agriculture to a large extent, with the livestock (cattle, pigs, poultry) plays a dominant role. Since the 1960s, tourism plays an increasingly important role in economic life.

History

In the late 12th century was Montvalent of the landlords ( seigneurs ), sold the viscounts of Brassac to the Viscounts of Turenne. The Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) escaped much of the population of the place that was occupied from 1372 to 1379 by the British. After the reconquest, it took nearly 50 years until the place was back to his old population level. Montvalent remained until the 18th century, owned by the Viscount de Turenne; but they were heavily in debt and had to sell for 4.2 million livres to the French crown their property in 1738.

Attractions

• The Gothic Church ( Église Saint -Christophe ) from the 13th century is in the immediate vicinity of a lying in ruins castle, as their chapel she may have once served. The church was enlarged in the 14th century by two chapel additions and completely restored in the 19th century and revised. The church is recognized as a monument historique since 1975.
• A slender watchtower ( tour de garde ), which was used as a never keep ( donjon ) for residential purposes, is the last remnant of the former castle and stands next to the church.
• A small covered market hall stands in the middle of the place.
• In the vicinity of Montvalent several dovecotes find ( Pigeonniers ).