Cerizay
| Cerizay | |
|---|---|
  Cerizay | |
|
Location within Poitou-Charentes region  Cerizay | |
| Coordinates: 46°49′20″N 0°39′48″W / 46.8222°N 0.6633°WCoordinates: 46°49′20″N 0°39′48″W / 46.8222°N 0.6633°W | |
| Country | France |
| Region | Poitou-Charentes |
| Department | Deux-Sèvres |
| Arrondissement | Bressuire |
| Canton | Ch |
| Government | |
| • Mayor (2001–2008) | Jean Grellier |
| Area | |
| • Land1 | 18.55 km2 (7.16 sq mi) |
| Population (2006) | |
| • Population2 | 4,667 |
| • Population2 Density | 250/km2 (650/sq mi) |
| INSEE/Postal code | 79062 / 79140 |
| Elevation |
143–217 m (469–712 ft) (avg. 173 m or 568 ft) |
|
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. 2 Population without double counting: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once. | |
Cerizay is a commune in the Deux-Sèvres department in the Poitou-Charentes region in western France.
History
The name Cerizay probably originated during the closing centuries of the Roman occupation. During the Middle Ages the old town centre was situated beside a feudal castle. The last two towers of the castle, along with its 12th century chapel, were destroyed when the present (rather flamboyant) church was constructed in 1890.
Economy
The automotive coachbuilder firm Heuliez has its main production plant on the outskirts of the town. They have been involved in the production of various niche models for French car manufacturers. The firm currently construct the roof module for the Peugeot 206CC and till 2009 built the Vauxhall/Opel Tigra Twin Top. Since June 2011, the newly developed German electric car "Mia" has been built under contract with an annual output of 10,000 units.
People
Famous residents include:
