Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens

Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens
A general view of Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens
A general view of Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens
Coat of arms of Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens
Location of Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens
Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens is located in France
Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens
Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens
Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens is located in Occitanie
Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens
Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens
Coordinates: 43°30′51″N 3°30′53″E / 43.5142°N 3.5147°E / 43.5142; 3.5147
CountryFrance
RegionOccitania
DepartmentHérault
ArrondissementBéziers
CantonMèze
IntercommunalityCA Hérault Méditerranée
Government
 • Mayor (2020–2026) Christine Pradel[1]
Area
1
13.58 km2 (5.24 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)[2]
635
 • Density47/km2 (120/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.

Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens (French pronunciation: [sɛ̃ pɔ̃s moʃjɛ̃]; Occitan: Sant Ponç de Mauchins) is a commune in the Hérault department in the Occitanie 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 (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. ^ "Répertoire national des élus: les maires" (in French). data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises. 13 September 2022.
  2. ^ "Populations légales 2021". The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 28 December 2023.

External links