Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens is a commune in the Hérault department in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in southern France.GeographyIt is tiny village perched on a hill, St. Pons de Mauchiens is a typical example of the circulade type of village dating back to the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The castle there was built for the Bishops of Agde in 1199. Just 4km from the village you may also admire a fine mill, the "Moulin de Roquemengarde" on the river Hérault. To really escape from the modern world, there is a fine footpath (17km) that has been recently restored and marked out leading from the outskirts of the village right out into the hilly garrigue countryside, perfumed with thyme, lavender and rosemary.HistoryThere is a legend around the long name of this very small village. One of the lords of the castle owned a pack of ferocious dogs ("chien" in French) that he let loose at nightfall. One day he arrived home late and the doors to the castle were locked. The dogs did not recognise their master, savagely attacked him at the throat and tore him to pieces.His last words were "Mauvais chiens !" which is why the village is called St-Pons-de-MAUCHIENS, mauchiens being an abbreviation of 'Mauvais chiens'SportSaint-Pons-de-Mauchiens is the only village or town in Herault with a cricket club, which plays league and friendly fixtures against visiting touring sides. The club also supports demonstration and coaching of cricket in local village schools.PersonalitiesMarie Sagnier, born February 28, 1898 at St-Pons-de-Mauchiens, d. 1996. Righteous among the Nations for saving Jewish children in her then primary school at Murat (Cantal), Auvergne In French