Archingeay is located some 32 km south of Surgeres and 30 km east of Rochefort. Access to the commune is by the D114 road which branches off the D739E south of Tonnay-Boutonne and continues south through the commune and village to Saint-Savinien. The D122 also goes south-west from the village to join the D124 which continues to Bords. The D122E1 also goes east from the village to Beaujouet. Apart from the village there are also the hamlets of:
Charnais
Cheniers
Chez Bayeau
Chez Brandeau
Chez Brard
Chez Pepin
Chez Trancard
Coulon
Fontaudet
L'Aiguille
Le Mouton
Le Tricholet
Les Pavageauds
Port L'Aubier
The commune is mixed forest and farmland. The Boutonne river forms much of the north-western border of the commune with a network of irrigation canals covering the western part of the commune. Le Pepin stream rises south of the village and flows west into the Boutonne.
Neighbouring communes and villages
Toponymy
The name may come from the name of the Roman generalArcantius.
History
This commune had an Abbey which has completely disappeared. In the past, Archingeay enjoyed a flourishing period, mainly due to a hot spring near the Chateau of the Valley to the west of Archingeay and renowned for its therapeutic properties. Among other famous spa guests, the Roman general Arcantius took its waters. Until the attack of phylloxera there was manufacturing of pottery, bricks and tiles, and wine production.
In 2009 the commune had 637 inhabitants. The evolution of the number of inhabitants is known from the population censuses conducted in the commune since 1793. From the 21st century, a census of communes with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants is held every five years, unlike larger towns that have a sample survey every year.
The population of the town is relatively old. The ratio of persons above the age of 60 years is higher than the national average and the departmental average. Unlike the national and departmental proportions, the male population of the town is greater than the female population. Percentage Distribution of Age Groups in Archingeay and Charente-Maritime Department in 2009
The RomanesqueChurch of Saint Martin is registered as an historical monument. It has sculptures at the south door and both interior and exterior corbels depicting life at the time. the main Altar and Tabernacle are registered as an historical object.
A Ferruginous Fountain known by the Romans for healing properties. In the Gallo-Roman period, the Roman general Arcantius spent time at the spa.
The which presents family life in the early 20th century with one of the largest exhibitions of old culinary objects in Europe. It opens during June, July and August from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m..
