Orcet

Orcet is a commune in the Puy -de- Dôme in the Auvergne region. It is located about 10 kilometers south of Clermont -Ferrand.

Population

The population has been increasing since the 60s again and resistant to currently stands at 2 695 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011). The former winegrower's village is transformed into increasingly a place of residence for commuters to the nearby city of Clermont- Ferrand, but retains much of its rural character.

Geography

The circular, medieval village Orcets is highly visible on a hill. Just south of the village center, the river Auzon whose modest gold deposits have given the place its name supposedly flows (French or = gold). To the north of the village center, the new residential area spread on the " Serre ", also called " Petit Orcet ".

History

Historical importance was Orcet above all, by Julius Caesar, who established his camp at the unsuccessful siege of Gergovia during the Gallic War to the present area. A monument at the " Avenue de Gergovie " from the time of Napoleon III. reminded of this Roman past.

When working to bypass the town in the fall of 2002, a tomb with the skeletons of 53 horses and riders was found different from Gallo- Roman times.

The first written mention was Orcet in 520 in the will of Theodechilde, the daughter of the Merovingian king Clovis.

The medieval fortifications date back to William VII, Count of Auvergne. After that, the town belonged to the La Tour d' Auvergne and Aragonnès.

Policy

Mayor of the town since 1995, the non-party physicians Dominique Guelon. In the 1970s arose a violent dispute among local politicians about the future of the place: the project of the then mayor, Paul Bador to build social housing, entered Fishing Club contrary, their representatives were able to win the local elections and docked the fishing lake " Etang des PEDES ".

Attractions

The town's landmark is the tower of the Romanesque church of Saint Mary from the 12th and 13th centuries, the colorful bricks are to be seen in the Burgundian style well. Beautiful courtyard with fountain and mansion.

Personalities

In the village center is the birthplace of the revolutionary Georges Couthon, whose fame was partly due to a spent in a barrel with icy water overnight. In this way, the friend of Robespierre wanted to preserve the honor of a loved one.