Varenne-l'Arconce

Varenne- l'Arconce is a commune in the French department of Saône- et- Loire of the Burgundy region. In the municipality of 127 inhabitants ( 1 January 2011).

Location

Varenne- l'Arconce is located about two kilometers from the river Arconce located at an altitude of about 330 meters above sea level. inst in the ancient cultural landscape of the brionnais. The place is located about 15 km ( driving distance ) south of Paray -le- Monial and about 45 kilometers north of Roanne. The places worth seeing Iguerande, Marcigny, Saint -Julien -de- Jonzy and Charlieu are within about 10-25 kilometers.

Demographics

In the 19th century the place had at times over 500 inhabitants. The phylloxera crisis and the mechanization of agriculture ensured since for a significant population decline.

Economy

The hilly region of Varenne- l'Arconce has always been dominated by agriculture, which until the 19th century, viticulture was also operated. Meanwhile, the cattle ( Charolais cattle ) plays a major role. The place itself functioned until the early 20th century as a craft, trade and service center for the hamlets and isolated farmsteads in the area.

History

The place is first mentioned in a document from the year 976. Parish and town belonged since 1094 to around 1130 as Unterpriorat for Cluniac Priory of Marcigny. From about 1130 until its partial destruction of the monastery was a direct function of the Cluny Abbey.

Attractions

Church of Saint- Pierre -aux -Liens

The Romanesque priory church of Saint- Pierre -aux -Liens dates from the 12th century. The adjacent buildings were cloistered in the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) or in the time of the Wars of Religion (1562-1598) destroyed. The parish church and used as construction was in 1889 as a monument historique a historical monument.

Other

A large circular dovecote ( Colombier or pigeon ) with conical roof stands in the neighborhood of a manor.