L'Isle-d'Espagnac is a commune in the Charente department, in the New Aquitaine region, to the northeast of Angoulême which it borders.
Its territory of almost 6 km² crossed by the old national road 141 leading to Limoges is now integrated into the agglomeration. However, the urbanization which intensified during the 20th century has preserved green landscapes in the southern half of the town. It is still covered with agricultural areas (17% of its area) and forests (8.5%).
The feudal castle of this stronghold of the Espagnac family from the Middle Ages was destroyed during the Hundred Years War. The house of Pindray will succeed him. Later, the Souchets, one of whose members was mayor of Angoulême in the 17th century, became lords of the place. At the same time, an old leper's lodge founded by the Templars became the center of a hamlet.
From an economic point of view, in addition to agriculture, L'Isle-d'Espagnac is renowned for its quarries from the 17th to the 20th century: cobblestones and rubble used throughout the region come from it.
Nowadays, the town, which has some 5,600 inhabitants, has preserved a pleasant living environment. An activity zone to the north, however, hosts a few industrial units. In addition, Grand Angoulême facilities such as the exhibition center are located on L'Isle-d'Espagnac whose heritage, partly wooded environment and leisure offer justify a stopover.
In terms of heritage, there are still several sites of interest in the locality. Let us mention the home of the Mérigots built in place of an old leper. Property of a squire in the 17th century, it then passed to the Count of Saint-Simon Montblairu. The estate will be acquired by the city in the 20th century. Its towers are destroyed and a school is built. Its monumental wrought iron gate, classified as an object, which came from the abbey of Beaulieu d'Angoulême, is kept in municipal premises.
The Logis de Pindray has medieval foundations (14th century chapel, 11th century vaulted cellars) and was fitted with a square tower and neo-Gothic turrets in the 19th century. The site was before the Hundred Years War that of the first feudal castle of the seigniory. The house of Chaumontet presents for its part bases of the XIIth century.
Finally, the Logis de Bois Menu with its Renaissance tower (16th century) where François I would have stayed and the Maison du Gros Pierre complete this overview which testifies to the historical richness of these lands... A stele from the Gallic era unearthed in the town is now kept in the Angoulême museum and the parish church of Saint-Michel has medieval foundations and stands out with its simplicity. We observe that it is composed of a single nave and a choir with a flat apse above which the bell tower rises. As for its very sober facade, it is simply lit by a narrow stained glass window and a bay seeming to be stuck in the stone.
Culturally, L'Isle-d'Espagnac has top-notch amenities. Residents and visitors can enjoy a media library where readings, exhibitions and meetings are regularly scheduled (information on +33 5 45 38 62 03) and the On Stage Theater which includes drama classrooms and a performance hall that can accommodate 200 spectators (contact on +33 5 17 20 56 63). In addition, since 2007, on the site of the former Bel Air aerodrome, the Angoulême Exhibition and Congress Center has been set up, called "Espace Carat". It includes a reception hall of 500 m² and two large rooms of 4500 m² and 1000 m². Adjoined by a 1,600-space car park, the site hosts concerts, exhibitions and fairs of regional interest which follow one another throughout the year. Its maximum capacity is 7300 seats! Inquire on +33 5 45 38 50 60.
For athletes, many facilities are available (tennis courts, covered area for futsal in particular). Information at the town hall on +33 5 45 38 62 00.
For walks, the vast 10-hectare Mérigots wood, famous for its old and large oak tree nearly 5 meters in circumference, is a pleasant place to get away from it all. from the community.
Also signposted in the locality are a 12 km hiking trail in a peri-urban environment, aptly called "D'un bois l'autre", and the "Périph'Vert" which allows you to go around the main town. -place while enjoying a bucolic environment and views of the historic districts of Angoulême.
Other loops are possible to understand the Charente countryside. Maps and information from the tourist office on +33 5 45 95 16 84.
Every Saturday morning on Place Mitterrand, the market showcases local produce from the region.
The second weekend of November, the "L'Isle en fête" festival schedules theater performances and contemporary music concerts (rock, etc.) for all audiences.
