The capital of the Haute-Saintonge revolves around its thermal spa – just the place for regeneration, recreation and relaxation.
the château of Jonzac
Jonzac’s imposing château soars from the bedrock
overlooking the town. You can visit this listed
monument dating back to the 11th century but
largely rebuilt in the 15th, with its striking towers
and decorative touches, such as the rough
likenesses of the local constabulary, added by later
owners. In July and August, there are free guided
tours in English on Wednesdays at 4pm.
A complete itinerary of the fine old town centre,
is available in English. It takes in the medieval alleys,
Baltard-style covered market, Romanesque church,
15th-century town gate and stone bridge.
The former Carmelite convent played different roles
in the community: converted after the revolution into
a town hall and then a prison, it has since been
restored and is now a cultural centre and museum.
In fact, the whole town has experienced various
turns in its history, being buffeted by both sides in
the Hundred Years’ War and, later, the Reformation,
before finally quietening down at the end of the
18th century. The Revolution aggravated religious
rivalry again and re-opened a few old wounds – but
on the whole the founding of the Republic
was welcomed.
The river Seugne meanders through the town, the
haunt of cyclists and strollers. Along the banks is a
fitness trail and an arboretum. Boat trips leave from
here between June and September.
fish stall at the wrought-iron covered market.
You can relax and have fun at the Antilles de
Jonzac, an aqua playground complex covering
10,000m2, open all year round, with a 60-metre
water slide, tropical lagoon, large wave pool,
aqua fitness, cardio-training, restaurant and
Caribbean beach huts. You can spend the whole day
here, bathing or recharging your batteries in the
fitness pools. Nearby is a recently restored windmill
where you can meet the miller and watch flour
being ground the old way.
In summer, you’ll find all the pleasures of the
beach at Heurtebise, the lakeside leisure centre
with a picnic area, restaurant, playground and
bathing lake. Try your hand at sailing, archery,
climbing, riding or rollerblading, with qualified
monitors on hand. And all year round, adults can
try their luck at Jonzac’s casino.
The thermal spa inside the troglodytic site at
Heurtebise is used to treat rheumatism and
respiratory problems as well as providing health
and fitness holidays for the general public.
There are plenty of shops where you can find
tempting, quality local products and souvenirs.
Every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday morning, the
19th-century-style covered market spreads its
wares, the fresh smells permeating the old streets
and alleyways. On Sundays, a friendly little farmers’
market sets up outside the Halles.
One of the highlights of the town’s cultural
programme is the comic celebration of cognac and
wine in the biannual festival Humour et Vigne, next
held in july 2008.
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