In the rolling hills of the countryside bordering the river Charente in the south-west of France lies the small town of Segonzac. Vines as far as the eye can see are a familiar sight in this part of France too, although wine is rarely produced. The grape harvest is mostly destined for the production of the regional liquor Pineau de Charentes and the world famous Cognac. Segonzac lies in the centre of this area, of which the town of Cognac is the most famous. Segonzac has, among others, a well assorted supermarket, where you can fill up the car for a reasonable price too. Of course there’s no lack of a typical French bakery, or a weekly Sunday market. There’s even a Michelin star restaurant. Visiting one of the many famous Cognac houses will be well worth your time. This, still quiet, region is ideal for a wonderful holiday.

The apartments of Ted and Riet Bootsma will serve as an excellent home from home. You will stay in a spacious holiday accommodation with a living room / kitchen, bedroom and shower room. The apartments are newly built, practical, clean and fully furnished. In addition there is, amongst others, garden furniture, a washing machine, dryer, vacuum cleaner, iron and ironing board available. Click here for the regulations. The climate in this area is enjoyable. Influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, the sun shines frequently, but often less hot than in the south of France. Stil, temperatures of over 30C are not exceptional. So it’s good to know that it’s little over an hours drive to the wonderful beaches of the Gironde and the Charente Maritime. In short, Segonzac is an excellent base for a great holiday.

Sightseeing Segonzac

You will find the following in Segonzac: supermarket; 2 bakeries; tourist information office; Cognac university for short courses or talks; restaurant (its specialty escargots); café; cash machines; bank; 3GP’s; dentist; play park; camper stand; tennis courts and jeu de boulles court, all within a short walking distance. Tours at smaller Cognac houses with the owners within Segonzac can be arranged for you.

Want to explore the area? You’ll find a folder in the apartment with tips or visit the local Tourist office for information about amazing walking and cycling routes in the area. Or take the car and visit the many beautiful smaller and larger historical towns of the Charente, like Cognac, Angoulême, Barbezieux, Saintes with its Roman ruines and the pilgrims’ town of Pons. You will also find daily and weekly markets, a variety of shops and good restaurants in these towns.

A few more tips

  • River Charente – 7 kilometers, small waterfalls and currents, also ideal for swimming.
  • Cognac – 10 kilometers, various big Cognac houses for tours, talks and    tasting sessions of Cognac and Pineau.
  • Fantastic views of the area (up to 15 kilometers) at the ‘Table d’orientation’ just outside Segonzac.
  • Beaches at Royan – 65 kilometers, nearby Talmont at the mouth of the Gironde is worth a visit too.
  • Beautycentre/thermen: www.chainethermale.fr,
  • Indoor swimparadise:  www.lesantillesdejonzac.com
  • Casino at Jonzac – 20 kilometers: www.lucienbarriere.com
  • Cognac Blues Festival (end of July) and Street Festival (early September).

History of Segonzac

The history of Segonzac goes back all the way to the Neolithic. Remains of population during this era can still be found. Segonzac has suffered greatly during the religious wars. The church with its pinecone shaped bell tower and the temple with its fountain seem to continue the conflict that was ever started between the Catholics and Protestants. Because of its geographical location Segonzac has become the capital of the Grande Champagne, the best vintage of the Cognac, of which you can admire the beautiful view from the orientation table…before your initiation in the tasting of cognac at the University of Eaux-de-vie while you listen to the legend of the Chevalier de la Croix Maron who ‘invented’ the principle of the double distillation that’s so typical for the Cognac region.

History of Segonzac

The history of Segonzac goes back all the way to the Neolithic. Remains of population during this era can still be found. Segonzac has suffered greatly during the religious wars. The church with its pinecone shaped bell tower and the temple with its fountain seem to continue the conflict that was ever started between the Catholics and Protestants. Because of its geographical location Segonzac has become the capital of the Grande Champagne, the best vintage of the Cognac, of which you can admire the beautiful view from the orientation table…before your initiation in the tasting of cognac at the University of Eaux-de-vie while you listen to the legend of the Chevalier de la Croix Maron who ‘invented’ the principle of the double distillation that’s so typical for the Cognac region.

Discovered in the vineyards by Druivenparadijs

Fossils discovered in our garden and vineyards. We learnt this by coincidence. Kees, one of our guests who collects fossils, pointed out to us that there are numerous scattered in our garden vineyards. He showed us a few rocks that contained fossils. According to Kees, these fossils are about 70 million years old. 70 million years ago, this area was, like much of Europe, sea.

Discovered in the vineyards by Druivenparadijs

Fossils discovered in our garden and vineyards. We learnt this by coincidence. Kees, one of our guests who collects fossils, pointed out to us that there are numerous scattered in our garden vineyards. He showed us a few rocks that contained fossils. According to Kees, these fossils are about 70 million years old. 70 million years ago, this area was, like much of Europe, sea.

Charente river

Charente

Pick grapes

Bourg-Charente

Reportage en Charente

Things of interest (links):

Cognac area

Angoulême city trip

Charente motorboat and canal boat rental

Charente