Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron

Saint- Pierre d'Oléron in western France is a municipality with 6676 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011) on the second largest French island, the Ile d'Oleron in Charente -Maritime in the Poitou -Charentes.

Location

Saint- Pierre d'Oléron is in the center and east of the island. The nearest large towns are Marennes (about 22 kilometers south-east ) and Rochefort (about 45 kilometers east ).

Demographics

Already at the first census in 1793, the city had 4000 inhabitants.

Economy

Previously, the inhabitants lived according to the principles of the extensive self-sufficiency from fishing, agriculture and viticulture. The fish and crab fishing is still important; Moreover, the place is known today primarily through the numerous oyster beds, which are upstream of the island. The Oléron oysters have their own taste, and for which they are appreciated worldwide. The livestock industry today plays no significant role anymore, but the vegetable growing has experienced in recent decades, some recovery. Since the completion of the road bridge in 1966, tourism plays an increasingly important role in the economic life of the city and has contributed to a significant increase of the population.

History

On the history of the community is little information known; most coincides with the island's history. The place has, however, existed in the Middle Ages, which is well documented on the basis of the buildings ( church and dead light). In 1790, the first mayor ( maire ) was appointed.

Attractions

Dead Lantern

Other

• The three-nave church of Saint -Pierre is originally from the 12th century, but has undergone profound transformations several times in the following years: your present form is largely back to the 18th century. During the French Revolution the church was renamed La Fraternité. The interior impresses with its simple design; the building has been classified as a monument historique since 1988. On the walls are several beautiful pictures of the 17th and 18th centuries, which are registered in the inventory of the Monuments historiques.
• A castle in the Bonnemie district is first mentioned in the 11th century. The present castle but has been rebuilt in the 15th century and revised again and again in the following centuries. It was recorded in 1981 in the lists of Monuments historiques and the base Mérimée. The Chateau is privately owned and is not open to visitors.
• The Maison was built in 1739 of aïeux was in the years 1899 to 1923 the home of the naval officer and novelist Pierre Loti, who has found his tomb in the garden. The house is classified as a monument historique since 2011.
• Built in the 1960s, Église Notre- Dame et Saint -Nicolas is located near the fishing port of La Cotinière; the triangular construction was commenced as an outstanding example of modern church architecture in 1991 in the list of Monuments historiques.

Partnerships

• Carintilde Spain (since 1984)
• Spangenberg Germany (since 1997)
• Pleszew Poland (since 1997)

The local school leads for over 25 years by a lively student exchange with the castle seat school Spangenberg.