Prahecq is representative of transitional territories between thegroup housing in the Charentes and the scattered one of western bocage country. Its name derives either from Pratius, a rich notable picton, i.e. pratium meaning wet floodable meadow. The castle, built in the 11th century, belongs to Hugues de Lusignan. It was taken in 1242 by Alfonso of Poitiers, brother of St Louis, then shaved partly to subdue its owner, then at the head of the Poitevin barons revolting against the king. Today only some transformed buildings from 1843 to 1954. The commune is the homeland of Vanda Houmeau, wife ofErnest Pérochon, first Prix Goncourt des Deux-Sèvres. The municipality experiences a strong economic development thanks to the'establishment of businesses in the artisanal zone.
What to see in Prahecq?
01. St-Maixent church
Built in the 11th century. in a castral set, it was restored in 1110 by Joscelin de Lezay withabbey of St-Maixent, deprived of this good. Rebuilt at the end of the Middle Ages, fire in 1568 then restored, during the Revolution it became a fodder and wood store and a decadent temple. It was classified in 1911.
To have : transept square from the 12th century. wrapped in a reconstruction of Gothic style flamboyant, Romanesque capitals (mitred abbot, sirens), episcopal crosier carved on the northern buttress, altar from a listed altarpiece from the 14th century.
02. The Renaissance castle of the Voûte
In 1514, Pierre Baudouin bequeaths to his son Nicolas the lands of the Vault. Acquired by the Commune in 1987, the castle, built in 1525 and restores © in the 19th century, underwent a fire in 1943. Its restoration dates from 1945.
03. The artesian well
The artesian well of Prahecq, known as the pit of Peace, is worth a visit when a rainy season has generously filled the basin of the site, creating an impressive bubbling spectacle. Although, according to an old belief, the eels are no longer visible coming out... Unfortunately, walkers or bikers on sunny days could only gaze at a dried-up basin. However, the municipality recently installed a sign nearby, displaying a photo of the pit during its spectacular boiling. In addition, a QR code is present there, which visitors can scan using an application on their smartphone to access a website and watch a video of the pit bubbling, summer, like winter !
Other curiosities to see:
- The Butte du Peu (highest point of the commune at 76 meters created by the depatture of Gargantua, that is to say the mud removed from his boots)
- The cemetery cross from the 1889th century (Historical monument in XNUMX)
