Criteuil-la-Magdeleine
The Commune of Criteuil-la-Magdeleine is situated right at the heart of the Grande Champagne region.
Mayor
Mr Michel FOUGERE
Contact Details
Mairie
16300 Criteuil-la-Magdeleine
Email : mairie.criteuil-la-magdeleine@wanadoo.fr
Tel: 05.45.80.54.17
Fax: 05.45.80.57.04
Web Site: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mairie.crit...
Opening hours Monday and Tuesday:9h-12h30 and 14h00-18h00 Wednesday: 9h00-15h30 ; Thursday: 14h00-18h00. Friday: 9h00-16h00.
Area: 1519 Hectares
Population: 435
Presentation
Mainly a grape growing area, the grapes are reserved for the production of Cognac and Pineau, both justifiably renowned and which can be tasted directly at any of the local producers.
The undulating landscape is a favourite spot for bike rides with routes that follow the Né and Collinaud river valleys from the popular surrounding hills.
In the centre of the village, a specially equipped parking space for camping cars has been set up behind the village hall providing water and light for the comfort of passing visitors.
History
Criteuil is an ancient area first mentioned in an 11th Century charter under its Latin name "Christolio". It was also the jurisdiction of Saintonge and a curacy which oversaw the communes of Bouteville, Juillac, Verrières, Touzac, La Magdeleine
The parish of Magdeleine was originally called MARIA-MAGDALENA in Latin which became La Magdalena before finishing up as La Magdeleine. It was founded at the end of the 11th Century and took Saint Mary Magdelaine as its patron saint.
The parish of La Magdeleine was removed from the control of the castle at Bouteville and was brought under the jurisdiction of Angoulême.
Heritage
Criteuil boasts a castle and three manor houses called The Logis. All that remains of the castle is a truncated tower found in the village of Logis de Luchet. The three logis are:
le logis de la Mothe,
le logis de l’Epine,
le logis du Maine Barbe now known as Barbe.