Mirambeau is a village of Charente-Maritime, in the region of New Aquitaine, 45 km south-west of Cognac.
The communal area of about 27 km² belongs to the natural and historical region of Saintonge, in a triangle formed by Angoulême, the Atlantic coast to the west and Bordeaux to the south.
On the right bank of the Gironde, Mirambeau belongs to the production area of Cognac, Pineau des Charentes and local wines. The landscape is hilly, and wooded to the east and south.
Very soon fortified, the site of Mirambeau becomes a lordship in the Middle Ages and passes during the Hundred Years regularly from one camp to another, sometimes under English domination, sometimes under French domination.
The place of Mirambeau is still in the forefront during the wars of Religion. Jacques de Pons, baron of Mirambeau, converted to Protestantism. This will cause some time later a violent repression. The castle as the small town are burned.
However, its strategic location and its agricultural and wine prosperity will allow Mirambeau to recover. The town, which now has more than 1,500 inhabitants, has preserved part of its built heritage and enjoys a privileged environment. Close to the Charente seaside resorts, it is a stage of interest for who stays in the South-West...
In terms of built heritage, the castle of Mirambeau remains the jewel of the city. It does not however have the same face, far from it, as the first walled enclosure of the eleventh century! Erected on a hillock, surrounded by a beautiful park, it has however preserved some old elements like a castle (tower with defensive function) and curtains (reinforced walls between turrets), restored in the 17th century. The main body of the castle was rebuilt in the 19th century, combining neo-classical and Renaissance influences. A chapel, set back, refers to the Gothic style. The castle now has a hotel vocation. Information on +33 5 46 04 91 20.
To see again, from the outside, the castle of Chotard, built in 1877 for a businessman. The style evokes Flemish architecture. The property is private and does not visit.
Concerning the built religious heritage, the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church, in the city center, was built in the second half of the 19th century to replace the chapel of the Récollets convent dating from 1715. novel, it has a bell tower porch over which a beautiful stone spire. Inside, old woodwork, paintings and statues have been preserved, as well as the 17th century baptismal font from the old chapel, adorned with angels' heads.
We will then go to the district of Petit-Niort, an independent parish absorbed by Mirambeau after the Revolution. The listed church of St. Martin dates back to its oldest parts of the 11th and 12th centuries and is characteristic of the Romanesque style of Saintonge. This is the case of the north wall of the nave, pierced by a small bay with a semicircular window pierced stone, because the glass was then reserved for the well-off parishes. The church was remodeled in the fifteenth and sixteenth century, probably after the wars had affected it. Waiting for a restoration campaign, the building, weakened, can be visited by appointment. Contact the +33 5 46 49 60 73.
More modest but charming, the laundrette des Sept Fonds restored in 1997 will conclude this course.
Then we can consider taking advantage of the environment of the town, which has vineyards and woodlands, and a wetland protected for its fauna and flora, belonging to the "High Valley of the Seugne".
Many hiking and mountain biking tours include the town, its surroundings, and points of interest. Some propose loops towards the estuary of the Gironde. Documentation and information on +33 5 46 49 62 85.
Fishing enthusiasts also have something to enjoy their favorite hobby (rivers, water). Inquire at +33 4 46 98 98 79.
For athletes and lovers of relaxation, the summer pool of the city is open on Wednesdays and weekends in June, every day except Monday in July and August. Price: 1.50 and 2 euros. Information on +33 5 46 49 62 89.
Other sports facilities are available in the town (tennis, petanque, football field). Contact the +33 5 46 49 60 73.
On the cultural level, the media library organizes exhibitions and storytelling for children. Information at +33 9 54 64 22 23. Lastly, run by an association, the Jephan de Villiers space exhibits some fifty works by this renowned contemporary sculptor. Visit by appointment at +33 6 21 42 25 02.
