Jonzac
Charente-Maritime, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
The historic town of Haute-Saintonge, now one of France’s major spa resorts, unveils its many charms through its waters. Once a natural defence for the castle, today a waterway conducive to fun, Jonzac’s waters are even a source of healing and wellbeing.
© Véronique Sabadel
Breathe, be inspired, let go. You are in Jonzac, in Charente-Maritime! Offering magnificent views over the Seugne Valley, Jonzac castle is the symbol of the town that suffered the Hundred Years’ War, the Huguenots, and the Fronde. In October 2021, Jonzac chatelet, castle’s gateway, was amongst ten recipients of the “Committed to heritage” prize of the Heritage Foundation. The purpose of the prize is to encourage engagement from local authorities in favour of heritage projects that drive cohesion and revitalisation in rural regions. The chatelet’s redevelopment project aims to reopen it to the public by establishing a museum and a rotation of events. Jonzac is also known as the city of water of the Haute-Saintonge area. Be they thermal, playful, by the estuary, or taking the form of liqueur, water offers the promise of disconnecting and letting go, including at “Les Antilles,” one of the largest spa complexes in Europe. Guaranteed memorable moments whether you stroll through town or the Cognac vineyard to the Gironde estuary.