Saint-Cyr-les-Champagnes is a commune in the Dordogne department of the Nouvelle‑Aquitaine region in southwestern France.
Geography
- Located in the arrondissement of Nontron and the canton of Thiviers.
- The commune covers an area of approximately 12 km².
- Elevation ranges from 124 m to 244 m above sea level, with the village centre situated at about 150 m.
Administration
- INSEE code: 24397.
- Postal code: 24700.
- The municipal council is headed by a mayor, elected for a six‑year term in accordance with French local government statutes.
Demographics
- The latest population figures published by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) indicate a small rural community, with a population of roughly 500 inhabitants in the most recent census period. (Exact numbers may vary with newer releases.)
History
- The name “Saint‑Cyr” refers to Saint Cyricus, a child martyr traditionally venerated in the Catholic Church.
- The suffix “les‑Champagnes” denotes the village’s location in a historically agricultural landscape characterized by open fields (“champs”).
- The settlement has origins in the medieval period, with the parish church dating from the 12th‑13th centuries, reflecting the typical development pattern of rural communes in the Périgord region.
Points of Interest
- Parish Church of Saint‑Cyr: A Romanesque structure featuring a modest nave, a bell tower, and interior furnishings from the 17th‑18th centuries.
- Traditional Périgord Architecture: The village contains several stone houses with lauze (stone) roofs, exemplifying regional building styles.
- Surrounding Landscape: The commune is surrounded by mixed farmland and small woodlands, offering opportunities for walking and observation of rural biodiversity.
Economy
- The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, including dairy farming, cattle raising, and the cultivation of cereals and vegetables.
- Small‑scale tourism related to heritage sites and the scenic countryside contributes modestly to the communal income.
Transportation
- Saint‑Cyr-les‑Champagnes is accessed via departmental roads connecting it to nearby towns such as Nontron and Thiviers.
- The nearest major railway station is located in Périgueux, approximately 40 km to the north.
References
- Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE) – official commune data.
- Dordogne departmental archives – historical records of the parish and municipal developments.
This entry reflects established encyclopedic information about the French commune Saint‑Cyr‑les‑Champagnes.
