Bernac (Charente)
| Bernac | ||
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| region | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | |
| Department | Charente | |
| Arrondissement | Confolens | |
| Canton | Charente North | |
| Community association | Val de Charente | |
| Coordinates | 46 ° 3 ' N , 0 ° 11' E | |
| height | 94-153 m | |
| surface | 8.46 km 2 | |
| Residents | 489 (January 1, 2017) | |
| Population density | 58 inhabitants / km 2 | |
| Post Code | 16700 | |
| INSEE code | 16039 | |
 Bernac - Saint-Pierre aux liens church |
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Bernac ( Occitan : identical) is a place and a community with 489 inhabitants (at January 1, 2017) in western France Charente in the region Nouvelle-Aquitaine .
location
The place Bernac is at an altitude of about 132 m above sea level. d. M. in a loop of the river Péruse in the north of the old cultural landscape of the Angoumois at a short distance to the Vienne department and thus to the historical province of Poitou . The place is about 46 km (driving distance) to the west from the town of Confolens ; it is around 50 km south to Angoulême . The town of Ruffec is only 4 km away. The climate determined by the Atlantic is mild; Rain falls throughout the year.
Population development
| year | 1800 | 1851 | 1901 | 1954 | 1999 | 2013 |
| Residents | 514 | 556 | 372 | 291 | 420 | 482 |
The continuous decline in population in the 20th century is essentially due to the consequences of the phylloxera crisis in viticulture and the increasing mechanization of agriculture . The increase since the 1980s is due to the proximity to the town of Ruffec.
economy
The place and its surroundings were dominated by agriculture for centuries; Most of the people lived on the produce of their fields and gardens as self-sufficient ; cattle breeding was also carried out on a small scale. Craftsmen and small traders also settled in the village. In the late Middle Ages and early modern times, viticulture was promoted, but - after the phylloxera crisis in the late 19th and early 20th centuries - it is no longer relevant today. Since the 1960s tourism has played a not insignificant role in the economic life of the municipality in the form of renting out holiday homes ( gîtes ).
history
In ancient times, the region belonged to the settlement area of the Celtic pictons , who were subjugated by Caesar during the Gallic War .
In the Middle Ages, the place, mentioned as early as 855 under the name Brenad , belonged to the barony of Ruffec and the diocese of Poitiers .
Attractions
- The former priory church of Saint-Pierre-aux-liens was built in the 12th century from little hewn stone ; In the 15th century it was extended on the south side by a side aisle , the late Gothic portal of which was preserved. After it was destroyed during the Wars of Religion, the church was so badly damaged in 1712 that restoration work began a short time later, which is still evident today in the classicistic design of the facade with its simple bell gable . The old nave is barrel vaulted , while the late Gothic side aisle has a rib vault .
- The wash house (Lavoir de la Paizière) built in the 19th century is on the outskirts.
- Surroundings
- The Château de Beauregard with its beautiful garden dates from the late 18th or early 19th century. It is privately owned and cannot be viewed.
Web links
- Bernac, church - photos + information (French)
- Bernac, Château - Information (French)