Bourg-Charente is a village in the Charente department in the region of New Aquitaine, about ten kilometers from Cognac, bordering Jarnac, the birthplace of François Mitterrand.
Crossed by the course of the Charente which then joins Cognac, Saintes and Rochefort before throwing itself into the Atlantic, it is a locality consisting of a small village and several hamlets for a population of about 800 inhabitants.
Bourg-Charente owes its prosperity to its viticultural activity, since the communal territory belongs to the appellation d'origine contrôlée cognac. Three distilleries and the Marnier-Lapostelle establishments (the company that produces the Grand Marnier liqueur) are located there.
The history of the commune is marked by this richness linked to the vine as well as by the river transport on the Charente. From the medieval period, the local lordship acquired a certain importance, especially since the borough was located on one of the secondary roads of Saint-Jacques. In the sixteenth century it was the collector of Francis I, Artus Gouffier, who became the lord of Bourg-Charente. What to heal the wounds of the War of a hundred years. Today, many castles and historical heritage continue to bear witness to the city's rich history. With the attraction generated by the production of cognac and pineau, and a preserved natural environment, this makes the small city a renowned tourist stage.
As for the built heritage, the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste deserves a detour. It dates from the second half of the 12th century, erected in place of a simple priory. Of Romanesque style, one will notice its facade with three floors and its circular apse. Inside, a fresco depicting the wise men was painted in the thirteenth century. The building is classified.
Restored in the 17th century on the bases of the medieval castle, of which walls and ditches remains, the castle of Bourg, a time prison of State under the Revolution, belongs to the Marnier-Lapostelle family since 1921. A pavilion has Was added in the 19th century as well as ornamental elements from the Château de Bouteville in the Charente. Opened in May during the Printemps des liqueurs. On this occasion, it can be visited completely and for free. The opportunity also to discover the work of the grape and the elaboration of the famous liqueur. Note also on the agri-viticultural level that one can also visit the Domaine Pautier (production of pineau). Make an appointment on +33 5 45 81 24 89.
The castle of Cressé, now a retirement home, and the castle of Tilloux, both of the 19th century, are also to be seen, if only from the outside (These are private properties).
In the village and the hamlets, several mills erected on the course of Romède, multiple fountains and a bread oven recently restored testify to the past economic vitality of the small city. Not to mention the portals and other ornamental facilities which contribute to the luster of the homes of wine-growers. In total, no less than 50 heritage elements are mentioned on the town plan of the municipality.
In another area, you can practice tennis by contacting the campsite at +33 6 03 98 60 19, and take advantage of the harbor and its launching dock to sail the Charente +33 5 45 81 30 25.
For lovers of hiking, on foot or mountain bike, the towpath and the GR4 which connects Royan to Grasse and crosses the town are obviously to privilege, as well as other circuits including natural protected areas (classified Natura 2000) Or assets. Information on +33 (0) 5 45 69 79 09.
In a very different way, the visit of the private museum of dolls located in the town is advisable. There is a collection of more than 1,000 models. Open all year by appointment and the whole week from June to September. Price: 5 euros. Information on +33 (0) 5 45 81 20 46.
The Saint John Fair, the last weekend of June or the first weekend of July, lasts from Friday to Monday. On the program, fun fairgrounds, flowered bicycle competitions, chariot races and floating baths on the Charente, balls, fireworks (Monday evening).
