Châteaubernard is a town in Charente, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, south of Cognac which it borders on.
Located on the left bank of the course of the Charente which forms its limit to the northeast, the 13 km² territory is separated from Cognac by the railway line connecting Angoulême to Saintes, and it is also crossed by the RN 141 which bypasses Cognac, leading to La Rochelle to the west and Limoges to the east.
Proximity to its neighbor, renowned worldwide for its wine brandy, the establishment of industrial units in the 20th century (glassworks, production of harvesting machines) and the development of a civil and military aerodrome in the south have reduced agricultural and natural areas but boosted demography. Châteaubernard, which now has some 3,700 inhabitants, was however occupied from prehistoric times and then in Antiquity (presence of a Roman road). In the 12th century, its lord of the Bernard family went on a Crusade and the stronghold then hosted a commandery of Templars which would be active until the 15th century. It remains the chapel, a jewel of the local heritage.
Small town with a preserved living environment, still counting a few cognac producers, Châteaubernard has a wide range of leisure activities that should not be overlooked during a stay in the region.
It is obviously the Saint-Jean chapel which served the commandery of the Templars founded in the 12th century which is nowadays the major element of the municipal heritage. Now a parish church, it has a rectangular plan, and its thick walls are supported by buttresses. With a single barrel-vaulted nave, built in freestone and covered with tiles, the building was equipped with two chapels in the 15th century which now form only one, then a sacristy in the 19th century.. Austere in appearance, as is the tradition among the Templars who then became Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem, on the way to Saint James, the chapel nevertheless has a more welcoming facade, surmounted by a bell tower with a campanile and pierced by 'a semicircular door under a window. An inscription is visible inside dating from 1531: it is an extract from "The Apocalypse according to Saint John".
The Hundred Years War then the Wars of Religion got the better of the Commandery and only the chapel has been preserved, restored several times (the last time at the beginning of the 21st century). Outside the offices, the building protected as historical monuments can be the subject of private visits by appointment: contact +33 5 45 32 32 51.
Other heritage sites can mark a walk in the town. This is the case in the hamlet of La Trache where ancient caves were discovered and excavated in the 19th and 20th centuries: tools, weapons and cult objects dating from the Neolithic have been unearthed (some are on display at the Cognac museum).
In addition, in the Combe des Dames district, a dolmen dating from 2400 BC has been reassembled: the table and an orthostat (standing stone) are original, two "new" orthostats completing the set..
Also well restored, but much more recent, the 18th century communal oven and the Echassier fountain (same period) are worth a look.
With regard to cultural leisure activities, in addition to a (private) cinema, the town has a media library where events are regularly scheduled (meetings, readings, workshops: information on +33 5 45 32 76 76), from the hall of shows at the Castel which hosts quality shows (concerts, theater: information on +33 5 45 32 76 81 or +33 5 45 32 32 51) and finally a gallery with three exhibition rooms (paintings, photos, sculptures: contact the +33 5 45 32 76 76).
Note in another area that visitors and vacationers can book a tennis court with the local club (join the clubhouse on +33 5 45 32 20 10), or indulge in sport fishing from the banks of the Charente (information on +33 6 88 18 94 36). As for the cycle touring club, it regularly offers outings in the town and region: contact +33 5 46 96 19 26.
In the south of the town, the Cognac-Châteaubernard aerodrome created in 1936 has a dual vocation, civilian and military. Two air force units are based there: the Christian Martell fighter aviation school which trains pilots and the 33rd surveillance, reconnaissance and attack squadron specializing in particular in the deployment and maneuvering drones.
The site has three tracks: the first is unpaved and 800 m long, the other two covered with bitumen are 2423 m and 1875 m long, respectively.
At the same time, the Ailes Cognacaises flying club is also present at the aerodrome and has three sections: model aircraft, gliding and motor flight. Ideal for a first flight or a flight dedicated to aerial photography... All information on +33 5 45 82 13 51.
Between plots of vineyards dedicated to cognac still cultivated by independent winegrowers, the banks of the Charente classified "Natura 2000" because of their rich biodiversity, and of course the close attractions of the city of Cognac, there are many hiking routes departing from or crossing the town. Maps and information from the tourist office on +33 5 45 82 10 71.
Weekly markets highlighting the region's terroir and gastronomy take place on Tuesday mornings in the center (near the Post Office) and on Friday mornings in the glassworks district.
The first Saturday in July, town festival in Pierrières park with parade of majorettes, dance shows, concerts, country meals.
The second Friday in July from 6 p.m., local market.
The last weekend of October, Squash Festival.
The first weekend of December, Christmas market.
