Romegoux

Romegoux is a West commune with 617 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Charente -Maritime in the Poitou -Charentes.

Location

Romegoux lies at an altitude of about 20 meters above sea level. inst in the historic cultural landscape of the Saintonge about 24 km ( driving distance ) northwest of Saintes and 20 kilometers southeast of Rochefort.

Demographics

In the 19th century the place had always 600-760 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 Romegoux.

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 ). Romegoux one of the Bois ordinaires et communs of the vineyard Cognac, but most grapes are processed into wine and Pineau des Charentes for sales problems with cognac brandies.

History

On the history of the place, little information is available. Two sites from Gallo-Roman period (one under the church ) suggest a long settlement period.

Attractions

• Although the Parish Church ( Église Saint- Pierre ) looks blocky and fortified in their appearance, indicate many details (portal, windows, gargoyles, ribbed vault ) to a construction period in the late Gothic period ( 15-16. Century). A Romanesque predecessor was likely to be present, but are not building remains identifiable. The jamb of the west portal is - without intervening capitals - a basket arch, which evolves in the two outer or upper line guides to ogee arches. The nave interior is covered by a ribbed vault; some of the ribs in Vierungsbereich seem to grow out of the mighty pillars - a typical construction, the late Gothic period. The three-lane apse window displays in its tracery Flamboyant motifs ( fish bladders ). The church is recognized as a monument historique since 1931.
• Right next to the church is a sarcophagus with a figural cover plate ( gisant ) is set up.
• East of the village there are two water mills ( Moulin du Champ de Moulin and Besson ).
• Near the village there are several aboveground and underground limestone quarries ( carrières ); the well to be treated and yet hard stones were exported from the 16th to the 19th century by ship ( gabares ) in the world.