Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens

Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens

A general view of Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens

Coat of arms
Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens

Coordinates: 43°30′51″N 3°30′53″E / 43.5142°N 3.5147°E / 43.5142; 3.5147Coordinates: 43°30′51″N 3°30′53″E / 43.5142°N 3.5147°E / 43.5142; 3.5147
Country France
Region Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrénées
Department Hérault
Arrondissement Béziers
Canton Montagnac
Intercommunality Hérault Méditerranée
Government
 • Mayor (2008–2014) Jean-Pierre Soulier
Area1 13.58 km2 (5.24 sq mi)
Population (2008)2 619
 • Density 46/km2 (120/sq mi)
INSEE/Postal code 34285 / 34230
Elevation 18–185 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.

2 Population without double counting: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once.

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

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 (17km), 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

    External links

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