Ardillières is a commune in the Charente-Maritime department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France.
Geography Ardillières is located some 25 km south-east of La Rochelle and 20 km east of Châtelaillon-Plage. Access to the commune is by the D111 road from Ciré-d'Aunis in the west passing through the commune and the village and continuing to the east. The D208 road also goes north-east from the village to join the D939 at Le Cher. The D205E2 also goes north-west from the village to Le Thou. Apart from the village there are also the hamlets of Les Perrieres, Toucherit, Villeneuve, and Bois des Mottes. The commune is entirely farmland apart from a few small patches of forest.Google Maps
The southern portion of the commune is covered with a network of canals which link to the Charras Canal which crosses the south of the commune from west to east.
Neighbouring communes and villages
Administration
List of Successive MayorsList of Mayors of France From To Name Party 1826 1830 Etienne Martin 1971 2001 Guy Caquineau ind. 2001 2020 Jean-Marie Targé ind. 2020 2026 Olivier Denechaud
Demography The inhabitants of the commune are known as Ardilliérois or Ardilliéroises in French.Le nom des habitants du 17 - Charente-Maritime, habitants.fr
Culture and heritage
Civil heritage The commune has several sites and buildings that are registered as historical monuments: The Château d'Ardillières (14th century).Ministry of Culture, Mérimée There are two round towers. The 17th century lodging is surrounded by farm buildings of the same period and recent constructions. The medieval cellar is remarkable. The Pierre Levée Dolmen (Neolithic)Ministry of Culture, Mérimée The Pierre-Fouquerée Dolmen (Neolithic)Ministry of Culture, Mérimée
Other sites of interest The Charras Canal A Mill (Charles Goumard built it in the early 16th century). It contains a Lintel (1508) which is registered as an historical object.Ministry of Culture, Palissy A Wind Farm Rural cottages
Religious heritage The Parish Church of Saint Peter (11th century) is registered as an historical monument.Ministry of Culture, Mérimée The Church has a Bronze Bell (1635) which is registered as an historical object.Ministry of Culture, Palissy
Ardillières Picture Gallery
Notable people linked to the commune Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville, Squire of Iberville and Ardillières, founder of the Louisiana colony in 1700 where he built the Fort of Biloxi.
See also Communes of the Charente-Maritime department
References
External links Ardillières on the National Geographic Institute website Ardillières on Géoportail, National Geographic Institute (IGN) website Ardillières on the 1750 Cassini Map