Saint-Denis

La Courtine has seen its physiognomy changed with the establishment of a military training camp of the highest order: it is today ranked the 1st national camp for its capacity (4,000 men) and the 5th for its size. Even though military activity no longer generates as much life in the market town as it used to, in 2016, it was still hosting an average of 1,200 men per day.
Another economic activity, the Alsapan factory, specialising in the manufacture of kit furniture, employs 150 people.

As you go up to the exit of the wood, when you reach the level of a meadow, you will notice a magnificent beech tree. Don’t hesitate to go around it and see the Mariette Cross at its foot.
Mariette Roudeix, from the village of Cro Charpeau, who was rich, very pious and widowed, had lost her son. So she had this stele built (being very Catholic) which moreover delimited her agricultural land. This cross is located near the old château of St Denis of which no trace remains.

The Bardet tree was one of the four points that marked the territory of the Châtelain of La Courtine (château close to the church destroyed by order of Richelieu).
The tree died and the owner of the land, Emile Combas, wanted to replace it but did not do so before his death.
His son Christian, known as the Empie, made this wish come true with the mayor, a priest and the people around, over a simple meal. Later, this new tree was destroyed; the party was repeated for a few years but takes place.

The parish of St-Denis was first dominant, then changed its status during the Revolution, becoming a village of La Courtine.
Although the date of construction of the church is not known, it was closed in 1898 for security reasons. Nature took over the place and the building collapsed in 1941-1942.
Since 2003, the Association of the Friends of St-Denis has been working to improve the site, making it possible to maintain the celebration of mass on the 1st Sunday of October in honour of the village saint.