Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens

Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens is a commune in the Hérault department in the Occitanie region in southern France.

Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens
A general view of Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens
Coat of arms
Location of Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens
Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens
Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens
Coordinates: 43°30′51″N 3°30′53″E
CountryFrance
RegionOccitanie
DepartmentHérault
ArrondissementBéziers
CantonMèze
IntercommunalityHérault Méditerranée
Government
  Mayor (20082014) Jean-Pierre Soulier
Area
1
13.58 km2 (5.24 sq mi)
Population
 (2017-01-01)[1]
659
  Density49/km2 (130/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
  Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code
34285 /34230
Elevation18–185 m (59–607 ft)
(avg. 100 m or 330 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Geography

A tiny village perched on a hill, St. Pons de Machines is a typical example of the circulade type of village dating back to the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The Bishops of Agde built the city castle in 1199. A fine mill, the "Moulin de Roquemengarde" on the river Hérault is only 4 km away. To really escape from the modern world, there is a recently restored footpath (17 km), nicely marked, leading from the village environs right out into the hilly garrigue countryside, perfumed with thyme, lavender and rosemary.

History

There is a legend about the village's name. One of the castle's lords owned a pack of ferocious dogs ("chiens" in French) that he let loose at nightfall. One day, he arrived home late and the castle doors were locked. The dogs did not recognize their master, savagely attacking his throat, tearing him to pieces. His last words were "Mauvais chiens !" The village is called St-Pons-de-MAUCHIENS, machines being an abbreviation of 'Mauvais chiens'.

Population

Historical population
YearPop.±%
1962499    
1968511+2.4%
1975416−18.6%
1982411−1.2%
1990399−2.9%
1999513+28.6%
2008619+20.7%

Sport

Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens has Hérault's only cricket club, allowing league and friendly play against visiting touring sides. The club also demonstrates and coaches cricket in local village schools.

Personalities

See also

References

  1. "Populations légales 2017". INSEE. Retrieved 6 January 2020.


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