Château-Garnier

Château-Garnier
Château-Garnier
Location within Poitou-Charentes region  Château-Garnier
Administration
Country	France
Region	Poitou-Charentes
Department	Vienne
Arrondissement	Montmorillon
Canton	Gençay
Intercommunality	Pays Gencéen
Mayor	François Audoux (2008–2014)
Statistics
Elevation	117–159 m (384–522 ft) (avg. 155 m/509 ft)
Land area1	35.89 km2 (13.86 sq mi)
Population2	638  (2006)
- Density	18 /km2 (47 /sq mi)
INSEE/Postal code	86064/ 86350
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.
2 Population without double counting: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once.

Coordinates: 46°15′35″N 0°25′36″E / 46.2597222222°N 0.426666666667°E / 46.2597222222; 0.426666666667

Château-Garnier is a commune in the Vienne department in the Poitou-Charentes region in western France.

The name Garnier possibly derives from Garrison, (D'Oc), (Garrison in English). There was probably a Roman Garrison on the site, succeeded by a Chateau. Evidence of the building stones of the Chateau are still noticeable throughout the village. The Chateau Monchandy just upstream on the Clain, and visible from the village is unique architecturally as are many of the houses found within the commune.

It is a rural agricultural community, but as it is on one of the main St Jacques de Compostelle routes, a steady flow of cyclists and hikers pass through the village.

Alfred Bouchard, (Maquis Renard D3), tortured and killed for his involvement with the Marquis by the Nazis, lived here. The whole area was a hot bed of resistance during WWII. One of the main roads in the village has been subsequently named after him.

The Plan D'Eau is renowned for its Carp fishing and is one of largest fishing lakes in the area.

The surrounding countryside is rich agricultural land, predominantly sunflowers and maize. The wildlife of the area is also rich and Wild Boar can be found in abundance.

The Auberge, 'Le Castel' is a remnant of the traditional high quality roadside restaurants, which used to be so common in France. Classic French cuisine from a fixed menu. It serves the many travellers utilising the pilgrimage route.

See also

• Communes of the Vienne department

References

• INSEE