Dominated
by the imposing roman church and situated on a large bend in the river
Charente at the limits of the “Maritime waters”, Saint Savinien
is the main town of the “canton” (administrative district
- similar to an English Parish Council) of 2400 habitants. It’s
a classic tourist site and has welcomed visitors since ancient times.
During the Middle Ages, it had a flourishing river trade as the port
was an ideal transit between the sea and the river. Main industries
were fishing and stone excavation.
The construction of naval ships peaked during the 13th & 14th centuries,
making it the largest Charentaise boatyard.
The 17th to 19th centuries saw the golden age, when the 2km (1_miles)
of quayside was used for importing exotic products such as spices, salt,
and even animal skins from Canada and for exporting cognac, stone and
wood. With a business community of negotiators, shopkeepers and ship
owners, the inns and hostels were there to welcome voyagers stopping
for the night on their journeys between Angoulême and Rochefort,
whilst the ferries ensured a safe crossing between the river banks,
thus providing an important link between the provinces and the coastal
towns.
Declassified in the last century, the shipping industry disappeared
to be replaced by rail. Today this magnificent river is enjoyed by tourists
meandering in their pleasure boats and visiting the port, thereby keeping
the nautical traditions alive.
(Original French text by Robert Orgé)
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