Area 30.96 km² | Canton La Plaine niortaise Time zone CET (UTC+1) Population 3,230 (2007) | |
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Échiré is a commune in the Deux-Sèvres department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in western France.
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Map of 79410 %C3%89chir%C3%A9, France
History
Knowledge of Echiré has been enhanced by recent archeological investigations. The 'Les Loups' (Literally 'The Wolves') site identified by Maurice Marsac using aerial photography comprises a late Neolithic defensive site protected by two ditches adapted from a dried up valley and from the course of the River Sèvre Niortaise. The lesser of the two ditches, which surrounds the smaller portion of the fort, has yielded pottery fragments that indicate connections with the more extensive archaeological site of Kroh Kollé at Saint-Pierre-Quiberon to the north. Elsewhere the tomb of a young woman with a baby provides evidence of a double perinatal death.
Other archaeological sites have been identified by Marsac, including the remains of a Gallic farm.
In the centre of the little town, near to the church, survive the remains of a Gallo-Roman temple, rediscovered at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Economy
The town's economy is based on the local dairy which produces the well regarded Échiré brand of butter. Other residents commute to Niort where the insurance industry is a significant source of employment.
Main sights
Échiré is home to three castles classified as historic monuments (in French "monuments historiques"): Coudray-Salbart, a middle-age fortress dating back to the 13th century, La Taillée, built in the 17th century, and Mursay, a former residence of Agrippa d'Aubigné. The church of Notre-Dame dates back from the end of the 11th century.
The river Sèvre Niortaise winds in the commune territory for 18 km, offering opportunities for walks, picnics and angling. The famous GR 36 walking route crosses Échiré, following the river banks.