Round and About - Pressignac

I visited Pressignac almost a year ago now, on one of my trips back from  Limoges airport, having dropped Nigel off for his return to the UK to work.  Thank goodness these trips are now at an end!!

The town of Pressignac is quite close to Chassenon where there are many Roman remains see HERE. It's situated in an elevated position and well served by watercourses, presumably the factors which caused the village to be established originally. The countryside bears the signs of the  meteorite which crashed in this area 200 million years ago. A nearby hamlet marks the position of the exact centre of the 20km (12 mile) diameter crater which it created. See the post on nearby Exideuil HERE.

The population of Pressignac is currently around 400, and in common with other country towns and villages, the population has been falling in recent years.  

On arrival in the little village, the very first thing that I came across was a beautiful carving.  I assume that it is one of the carvings done by  Canadian wood carvers, who visit this the Charente each year- see HERE.

The carved workman was situated next to the local Mairie, as you can see below. The building looked much newer than the remainder of the village, but it could have been restored. Anyway, the French do like to maintain their public buildings!

I walked on down a small road, which gave me a view of the church

and directly in front of me was the war memorial.  Every little (or large) village in France seem to have one, as so many country people gave their lives in the Great Wars.

Walking on a little further, I came the church, Eglise Saint-Martin.

The church was built in the 12th century using local materials, chiefly granite and stone  formed in the meteorite strike.  The architecture is influenced by the style of the abbey at nearby Lesterps, into which diocese this church falls.  Fortifications and other features dating from the 14th and 17th centuries can also be seen.

a small side door

on entering the opened door, I was left open mouthed at this beautiful vaulted ceiling. I am always amazed how they managed to build such beauty in years gone by, without the equipment that we have today.

To the side was the old font

The altar,

and at the sides these beautiful artistic features

.

Walking back outside, the first thing that took my eye were the three timber poles. No, don't ask me what they are for, as I have no idea!  Maybe to tie your horse up to, the smaller the horse, the lower you go down the rail!  Perhaps it is just to stop you parking there, or perhaps left there temporarily for some restoration work!

To the left was this map for walkers which may be of some interest. Walking is quite important in country French life and walking trails are well organised, each trail having a reference number and all recorded on large scale maps on sale at stationers.

On walking around a little more, I spotted several more views.  I loved these beautifully kept gardens and the village was spotless.

A view down the main street heading out of the village

A little further out of town on the other side, these two barns were for sale. They looked to be in good condition, so would make great  conversions for housing.

On again, this barn was home to a small animal trailer, and all the owner's prizes were attached to the outside wall for all to see. They were obviously very proud of their winnings.

 All the prizes, and many were firsts, were won at local shows during the 1970's.  The winning animals are not mentioned on the shields, but my guess from the size of their trailer, is that the animals in question were sheep!!

Retracing my steps, more lovely buildings were in view and you can see how well looked after most of them are. Note the large grape vine on the barn! Many country people make their own wine.

A sign from the past on this derelict building

and back at the car, I saw across the road what I presume to be the remains of an old well.

Just as I was about to leave, I looked over the hedge, and there was the town's little graveyard, with the usual lavish family vaults.

with many memorials, this one of the First World War.

I hope that you enjoyed your walk with me around this lovely little village on a warm sunny day. 

For further information see http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pressignac, thanks for this is to Jean-Baptiste BERLAND who has kindly given me the link to his write up.

To all of my followers who celebrate Easter, I wish you a very Happy Easter and a relaxing weekend.