Saugues
The French community Saugues in the Haute -Loire in the Auvergne region. The village with 1844 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011) is located on the GR 65, which largely follows the historical course of the French Road to Santiago Via Podiensis.
Geography and transport
Saugues is located in the Massif Central and is the capital of the canton of the same name. It lies on the border between the departments of Lozère and Ardèche on the high plateau of margeride. Through the town the river Seuge, a tributary of the Allier flows. The next major French cities are Lyon ( 134 km) to the northeast, Toulouse ( 225 km) to the southwest, Bordeaux (326 miles) to the west and Montpellier ( 152 km) to the south.
The nearest railway station is in Monistrol- d'Allier and is on the D589, in an easterly direction to reach after approximately 16 kilometers of road. In Saugues the two departmental road D589 and D585 intersect.
History
Saugues is the former capital of the county of Gevaudan. Since the 12th century, they were ruled by the bishops of Mende and the Lords of Mercœur. They continuously operated the city's development. Of the medieval fortifications, a tower from the 13th century is still standing. The historic center of the city was destroyed by fire in 1788. In mountains around the city Saugues raged on the eve of the revolution, the famous Beast of Gevaudan. Today looks a giant wooden sculpture of beasts, beside the D589 from a hill, down to the town. Was founded "wise brothers," On 14 May of the year 1652 with the approval of the bishop of Mende Marcillac the brotherhood of. During the great plague which raged in the county of Gevaudan in 1721, vowed this brotherhood, every whit a procession to the Sanctuary "To our Lady of Estours " perform. Today the members of the Brotherhood pulling on Maundy Thursday in a procession through the town.
Way of St. James ( Via Podiensis )
Because of its good infrastructure Saugues is often recommended as a stage stop on the Via Podiensis. In addition to the tourist information office there is a hotel and a restaurant, as well as several stage pilgrim hostels (French gîte d' étape ). The nearest major town on the Camino de Santiago, Saint- Alban- sur -Limagnole. Running there as a direct road route over the D33, D335 and D987. Near the Saint-Roch chapel behind the village Chanaleilles Via Podiensis with 1304 m at its highest point. The chapel on the border between the department of Haute -Loire and Lozère is a reminder of the former hospice, which was built there in 1198.
Attractions
- Tour de Anglais. The keep of a former castle of the 14th century masters the rich beautiful old houses Old Town. Today it houses the Museum of the town. The top platform of the tower can be entered and provides a good overview of the area. The name comes from the tower of an English knight who died here in 1380 and was buried in the Gothic cemetery.
- The Collegiate Church of Saint- Médard. It was mainly built in the 16th century as a Gothic building. Its present appearance is, however, influenced by the changes in the 19th century. It is surmounted by an octagonal tower. It houses some interesting treasures: including a Madonna from the 12th century, a Pietà of the 15th century and three silver processional crosses from the 15th and 16th centuries, which were produced by the silversmith in Le Puy -en -Velay.
- The Museum of the Beast from Gévaudan. Here is the terrible story of the Beast of Gevaudan is told, the region shifted 1764-1767 to Saugues in fear and terror. 24 scenes in the form of plaster figures recreate the atmosphere of that time to life.
Personalities
- Noël Chabanel Saint (1613-1649), Jesuit missionary murdered in Canada.
- Joachim Barrande (1799-1883), geologist and father of paleontology, born Saugues.
- Benilde Romançon (1805-1862), canonized religious cleric, appeared in Saugues
- Abbot François Fabre (1854-1932), priest and historian.
- Gires Lucien (1937-2002), painter, sculptor who created the sculptures in the museum of the Beast of Gevaudan.
Twinning
Saugues maintains since 1992 a partnership with the community Modave in Belgium.