Esnandes

Esnandes (French pronunciation: [ɛnɑ̃d]) is a commune in the Charente-Maritime department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in southwestern France. Its inhabitants are known as Esnandais (pronounced [ɛsnɑ̃dɛ]).

This small town north of La Rochelle faces the bay of Aiguillon (formerly Gulf Pictons). It situates on the cliffs overlooking the bays where mussels and oysters are produced which are still culminating to this day.

The first written mention of Esnandes dates to 920. In 1987, archaeological excavations traced the history of Esnandes thousands of years ago. Prehistoric sites, including a salt mine is behind an Esnandes church. The Roman occupation left traces in the form of a Roman villa at the Saint-Clement.

Esnandes is famous for its revamped church. In 1622, the Council of the City of La Rochelle ordered its destruction in place for a Catholic stronghold. Its main activity include mussel farming which date back to the 13th century.

The names of the trustees of the parish have come down to us:

Esnandes is one of the 28 communes of the Communauté d'agglomération de La Rochelle (Community of agglomeration of La Rochelle). It is the intercommunality with the highest population in Charente-Maritime.

Esnandes is twinned with Thorens-Glières.

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