Complete Travel Guide to Surtainville, France

Surtainville Surgères is a commune in the Charente-Maritime department, southwestern France. It is the home of the Surgères 48 Hour Race. Positioned at coordinates 49.45977°N, -1.81298°E, Surtainville occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Surtainville place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 14.0 meters above sea level, Surtainville benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Surtainville creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 6861 residents, Surtainville maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Surtainville represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Surtainville reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout France, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Normandie province, Surtainville contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines France's regional character. The role of Surtainville in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Surtainville discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of France while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Surtainville

History #Middle ages The site of Surgères was occupied in Neolithic times, but the earliest recorded history comes from the Middle Ages The Duke of Aquitaine wanted to guard his lands in Aunis against Norman invasion, so he built a stone and wood defence on the marshes, a bridgehead against the invaders which was known as Latin: _Castrum Surgeriacum_.

At the end of the 10th century, the Counts of Poitiers started to acquire power in Aunis and appointed Guillaume Maingot to take charge of the fortress and part of the lands around it In the 12th century this defence had become a small city, whose lords entertained the grandees of the parliament of Saintonge.

During this time a large castle was built on the ramparts, as was the Romanesque church of Notre- Dame Roman influence in Surtainville established foundational infrastructure and administrative systems that continued to shape the region for centuries In 1152 Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry II of England, thus putting her lands including Surgères into English hands.

Coming back under French rule with Saint Louis IX of France, the English took the town in a surprise raid in 1332 during the Hundred Years' War #Renaissance and modern times (up to the French Revolution) The history of Surgères is equally marked by Hélène de Fonsèque (1546–1618), Pierre de Ronsard's muse, whose beauty he celebrated in his Sonnets pour Hélène.

Queen Catherine de' Medici encouraged the affair between the fifty- year-old Ronsard and the beautiful Hélène, so that she could be part of the royal court as one of the ladies-in-waiting Hélène was the daughter of Louis de Clermont and Roderic de Fonsèque, a Spanish family from Monterey.

She married Philippe de Barbezières Surgères regained some prosperity during the 16th century before the French Wars of Religion A coveted stronghold, it was occupied by Calvinists and then by Catholic troops after the fall of La Rochelle in 1628, when Cardinal Richelieu knocked down its ramparts.

#19th and 20th centuries After the French Revolution of 1789, life in this little village became feudal with the domination of a rural bourgeoisie who took, as in all of France, a good deal of the lands of the Dukes of Rochefoucauld-Doudeauville, later Lords of Surgères.

Winemaking and the distillery contributed to a "Golden Age" for the town, but phylloxera brought it to an end in 1878 Afterwards, the dairy college (_l'ENILIA : École nationale d'industrie laitière et d'industries agroalimentaires_, "National College of Dairy and Agricultural Food Industries") contributed to the revival of Surgères.

In 1850 Surgères absorbed part of the old commune of Saint-Pierre-de-Surgères, the other part being reattached to the neighbouring commune of Saint-Germain- de-Marencennes _Histoire du Poitou et des Pays charentais_ (in French) Meeting between Ronsard and Hélène (in French) 3.

Reference on Hélène de Fonsèque (in French).

The historical trajectory of Surtainville demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Surtainville reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Surtainville remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography #Surrounding communes To the north lies the town of Saint-Georges-du-Bois, to the northwest Puyravault and Vouhé, to the west Péré, to the southwest Saint-Germain-de- Marencennes, to the south Vandré, to the southeast Breuil-la-Réorte, to the east Saint-Mard, and to the northeast Saint-Saturnin-du-Bois. #Location Surgères is in the north of the department of Charente-Maritime, equidistant from the towns of Niort, La Rochelle, Rochefort and Saint-Jean-d'Angély. The village is south of the Marais Poitevin and east of the ancient province of Aunis. #Hydrography The town's name came from the Gères, the stream that runs through it. It empties into the Devise, which flows into the Charente. #Climate Surgères has a temperate climate but in December 1999, like all of the department, was hit by the second European windstorm of the season, codenamed Martin. #Transport Surgères railway station The A10 autoroute gives access at Exit 33 (Niort-La Rochelle) to the northeast of the town and Exit 34 (Saint-Jean-d'Angély) to the southeast. The old Route nationale 11 (RN11) passes through the town. This road, reclassified to Route Départementale 911, connects Mauzé-sur-le-Mignon to Rochefort. Route nationale 139, running from La Rochelle to Périgueux, passed through Surgères and Angoulême and has been declassified to Route Départementale 939. Surgères railway station connects the capital by TGV, and is also on the TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional railway network. It is part of the program of _Gares en mouvement_ , which aims to modernise the largest stations of the SNCF (French National Railway Company). The railway arrived in Surgères in 1857 thanks to the Chemin de fer de Paris à Orléans. The Poitiers–La Rochelle line was electrified in 1993 to allow the TGV to run up to La Rochelle railway station. The line from Surgères to Marans which was part of the Freycinet Plan can also be traced. The closest airports are La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport and Rochefort – Saint-Agnant Airport. "Fiche cours d'eau - La Gères (R7320550)". "Fiche cours d'eau - La Devise (R73-0400)". The website rail17. fr shows the major stages of this station and has detailed photographs 4. La Rochelle airport website 5. Rochefort-Saint-Agnant airport website.

The topographic characteristics of Surtainville result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Surtainville region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Surtainville area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Surtainville has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Surtainville demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Surtainville create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

#Climate Surgères has a temperate climate but in December 1999, like all of the department, was hit by the second European windstorm of the season, codenamed Martin.

The climatic regime of Surtainville reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Surtainville create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Surtainville determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Surtainville create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Surtainville demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Surtainville include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Culture #Music The Académie de Cuivres et Percussions (“Academy of brass and percussion”) organises a festival each summer which lets artists get together in Surgères and the surrounding communes. Since 2005, the summer Sérénade festival has been promoting stringed instruments with open-air concerts. This event is directed by Pierre Lénert, a violist and soloist in the orchestra of the Opéra national de Paris at the Opéra Bastille. The band Les Verres Luisants (“The Shiny Glasses”) was champion of France in 2007 and 2008. This band won a Palme d’Or in the 2008 festival at Condom, Gers and have long accompanied the town’s rugby team.

The cultural landscape of Surtainville represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Surtainville reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Surtainville continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Surtainville provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Surtainville demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Surtainville provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy The town of Surgères is known for its activities in the food farming industry, especially milk processing. Of equal promininence is boilermaking and engineering. #Dairy industry The town is principally known for its butter which has AOC designation "Beurre des Charentes" or "Beurre Charentes-Poitou". The "Glac" (French: _Groupement des Laiteries Coopératives_ , "Group of Dairy Co-operatives") distribute many brands of butter, milk and cheese such as Bougon, Saint-Loup, Lescure, Surgères, Le Petit Vendéen and Mottin charentais. With its brand Saint-Loup, the Glac is the shirt sponsor of the Chamois Niortais when they play at home, and has been a partner in the club for many years. The town is also home to the _Syndicat des Laiteries Charentes-Poitou_ , a syndicate that developed at the end of the 19th Century to get Charentes- Poitou butter to the shops of Paris in under 48 hours. The syndicate is a partner of the Surgères 48 Hour Race and appears on the shirt of the best climber. The dairy industry was started by Eugène Biraud after the Phylloxera crisis, with the first co-operative created in 1888 in an old distillery at Chaillé, to the northwest of Surgères. In 1907, a dairy college completed the picture. Training in the food industry is under the control of the French: _Pôle de Formation ENILIA ENSMIC (École Nationale d'Industrie Laitière et des Industries Agroalimentaires et l'École Nationale Supérieure de La Meunerie et des Industries Céréalières_ ("Training policy of the National College of the Dairy and Food Industries and Higher National College of Milling and Cereals"). These groups provide training from granting new licences (theory and apprenticeship) onwards, with the aim of meeting the needs of employers. The college takes students from all over France, and foreigners. Research activities are conducted on behalf of companies. The college works with 2,500 companies in 80 countries. #Metallurgy industry The engineering sector with Poyaud diesel engines became _Société Alsacienne de Constructions Mécaniques_ , then Wärtsilä Diesel. The Surgères site produced Char Leclerc engines but also engines for railcars and locomotives, and marine engines. This technology is also used in the production of large electric generators for hospitals, industry and offices of large companies. There are many other companies at this site, such as Sassaro (specialising in stainless steel for the dairy and pharmaceutical industries) and Saro (specialising in precision engineering). #Other sectors The Sibcas slaughterhouse employs around fifty people and is near the creamery. Every October Surgères hosts a livestock show. Despite there being a carpentry school there is no furniture industry. In the neighbouring commune of Saint-Germain-de-Marencennes there is the Sofec factory, owned by Teissa the kitchen designer. #Media The town has two major media for the north of Charente-Maritime: * Radio Hélène.

The economic structure of Surtainville reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Surtainville often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Surtainville serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Surtainville demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Surtainville has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Surtainville focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

#Transport Surgères railway station The A10 autoroute gives access at Exit 33 (Niort-La Rochelle) to the northeast of the town and Exit 34 (Saint-Jean-d’Angély) to the southeast. The old Route nationale 11 (RN11) passes through the town. This road, reclassified to Route Départementale 911, connects Mauzé-sur-le-Mignon to Rochefort. Route nationale 139, running from La Rochelle to Périgueux, passed through Surgères and Angoulême and has been declassified to Route Départementale 939. Surgères railway station connects the capital by TGV, and is also on the TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional railway network. It is part of the program of Gares en mouvement , which aims to modernise the largest stations of the SNCF (French National Railway Company). The railway arrived in Surgères in 1857 thanks to the Chemin de fer de Paris à Orléans. The Poitiers–La Rochelle line was electrified in 1993 to allow the TGV to run up to La Rochelle railway station. The line from Surgères to Marans which was part of the Freycinet Plan can also be traced. The closest airports are La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport and Rochefort – Saint-Agnant Airport. The website rail17. fr shows the major stages of this station and has detailed photographs 2. La Rochelle airport website 3. Rochefort-Saint-Agnant airport website.

Transportation infrastructure serving Surtainville reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout France. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Surtainville.

Regional connectivity from Surtainville provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Planning Your Visit to Surtainville

Successful visits to Surtainville require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Surtainville often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Surtainville include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Surtainville extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.