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People

The number of inhabitants has changed over time due to events and industrial evolution. While the population was over 3,000 in the 19th century, today it is just over 2,300.

Scholars in the 18th century described the rural people of Picardy as being brave and faithful to their land. They suffered several attacks and wars, especially in the 17th century. The Vignacourt church had been destroyed many times and was always rebuilt thanks to the determination of its citizens. A British soldier who fought in the First World War described the locals as friendly and helpful.

Monikers

It was a common practice in rural France to assign monikers to the people of the villages. Some of these names have survived to this day, while others have disappeared.

The fanciful name attributed to the inhabitants is the little white rabbits, which refers to the merchants who sold rabbits.

Smugglers

Vignacourt has long been associated with smuggling due to the illicit trade of salt and tobacco, carried out by some, although it was not the only place in the region.

Salt was an important commodity because it was used to preserve food. A tax on salt was introduced in the Middle Ages and even before. The Gabellers were responsible for suppressing the illegal salt trade.

Some people were engaged in the trade of "Chasse-marée" (a fishmonger-seafood trade) and also involved in smuggling. They could obtain salt or tobacco quite easily and sell it at a better price. Some villagers were condemned, such as Mr Louis Noye and Mr Louis Noiret, in 1748.

Globe's coffee shop.