Marans, Charente-Maritime
| Marans | ||
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Town hall and church steeple
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 Marans
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Location within Nouvelle-Aquitaine region
Marans
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| Coordinates: 46°18′33″N 0°59′29″W / 46.3092°N 0.9914°WCoordinates: 46°18′33″N 0°59′29″W / 46.3092°N 0.9914°W | ||
| Country | France | |
| Region | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | |
| Department | Charente-Maritime | |
| Arrondissement | La Rochelle | |
| Canton | Marans | |
| Government | ||
| • Mayor (2008–2014) | Bernard Ferrier | |
| Area1 | 82.49 km2 (31.85 sq mi) | |
| Population (2008)2 | 4,634 | |
| • Density | 56/km2 (150/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | |
| INSEE/Postal code | 17218 / 17230 | |
| Elevation | 0–13 m (0–43 ft) (avg. 6 m or 20 ft) |
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1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. 2Population without double counting: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once. |
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1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.
Marans is a commune in the Charente-Maritime department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in southwestern France.
It is connected to La Rochelle by the Canal de Marans à la Rochelle. The inhabitants of Marans are known as marandais.
Marans is the most northern town in Charente-Maritime, and is sometimes considered to be the "gateway to Aunis", the former province in which it has always belonged since its creation.
Marans is a pleasant town on the river Sèvre niortaise which is a fishing port and a busy tourist trap. Being located north of La Rochelle, it has close relations with the latter to which it has much to owe for its rapid urban and economic growth.
The etymology of Marans is believed to be from the Latin, mare ante which means before the sea.
From the 7th century, monks settled in the Gulf, which had been drained by numerous canals.
In the 10th century, the first castle was built after the barbarian attacks. By the 11th century, a small market town had gathered around the castle and the priory of Saint-Etienne, depending on the Maillezais Cathedral. The octagonal bell-tower dates back to the 14th century. The priory was pillaged during the French Wars of Religion, and the rebuilding started in 1605.
In the 13th century, as well as the 16th century, the Benedictine monks would drain out the land by digging canals. The development of these lands greatly contributed to the enrichment of the town. During the reign of Henry IV of France, Dutch specialists helped in the work of the lands.
In 1307, the castle could hold 2000 soldiers and 300 to 400 horses in case of danger.
In 1589, Henry IV captured Marans after a 4-day siege. It was then used as a place of safety for the Protestants.
Between 1627 and 1628, during the Siege of La Rochelle, Louis XIII of France stayed at Marans. Cardinal Richelieu reassured the castle for fear of occupation by the reformed troops after the departure of the royal guards. The last towers were demolished in the 18th century.
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Wikipedia