Château-Garnier

Château-Garnier is a commune in the Vienne department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in western France.

Château-Garnier
Commune
Location of Château-Garnier
Château-Garnier Show map of France Château-Garnier Show map of Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Coordinates: 46°15′35″N 0°25′36″E
Country	France
Region	Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Department	Vienne
Arrondissement	Montmorillon
Canton	Civray
Government
• Mayor (2008–2014)	François Audoux
Area 1	35.89 km2 (13.86 sq mi)
Population  (2017-01-01)[1]	614
• Density	17/km2 (44/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+01:00 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code	86064 /86350
Elevation	117–159 m (384–522 ft) (avg. 155 m or 509 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

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 World War II. 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 were once common in France. Classic French cuisine from a fixed menu. It serves the many travellers using the pilgrimage route.