Segonzac is a commune in the Charente department, in the New Aquitaine region, 14 km south-east of Cognac.
Its territory of 35 km² already occupies on its northern half the plain bordering the course of the Charente but is more hilly in the south. It is mostly covered with agricultural land, including plots of vines. The town is indeed the "capital" of "Grande Champagne", the first growth of the appellation dedicated to the production of cognac.
If traces of human occupation during Prehistory and then in Antiquity have been brought to light, the Roman road which linked Saintes to Périgueux passing to the north of the locality, the village developed in the Middle Ages. It then falls under the possessions of the Counts of Angoulême.
Acquired during the Reformation, Segonzac acquired a temple in 1558 and Protestantism continued there after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes: royal troops were sent for repression until the beginning of the 18th century.
Nowadays, the prosperity of the town, which has nearly 2,100 inhabitants, is driven by its viticulture. In addition to wine tourism, we will appreciate the heritage of character, the leisure offer and the bucolic landscapes of Segonzac.
In terms of heritage, several sites of interest are to be mentioned and visited in the locality. This is the case of Saint-Pierre church, which bears witness to the turbulent past of Segonzac. Its oldest parts date from the 12th century: the bell tower and the western porch. Above the latter, a gallery in the form of a gallery has arcades typical of Charente Romanesque architecture. With the Wars of Religion, the building was damaged several times and then rebuilt. Thus, the choir with a flat apse is vaulted with warheads (16th century), and the exterior walls are from the 15th century (Gothic style). As for the nave and the aisles, they were rebuilt in 1863. The fact remains that protected as historical monuments, the church still has a Romanesque portal with remarkable carved decorations.
Another building listed in the Inventory, the Protestant temple. The first two having been razed, this one dates from 1866, coming to relieve the faithful forced until then to meet in a barn transformed into a place of worship... It is considered the largest in the region, also having of a neat interior decoration. However, we especially notice its pediment on which was carved a Bible where we read: "Heaven and earth will pass away, my words will not pass away...".
Don't miss the town hall, which was built in 1904 in freestone on the foundations of the former presbytery and two other sites listed in the Inventory: the Courades stronghold (to the east of the town), also known as "the castle of the Philibert Family", whose dwelling was remodeled in the 17th century but which still has defensive elements from the 15th century (entrance structure, walkway, loopholes) and a washhouse from the 19th century that feeds a large fountain near the church.
Finally, note that streets in the center have been pedestrianized, highlighting the charm of the building.
In terms of culture, the Paul Hosteing media library schedules exhibitions, meetings, readings and workshops throughout the year (information on +33 5 45 81 04 23). In addition, in autumn, the reader members designate the winners of literary prizes…
Several municipal halls are dedicated to hosting shows or association events. Inquire on +33 5 45 83 40 41.
For sports enthusiasts, a football field, a fitness trail and tennis courts are accessible. It is also possible to join the outings of the cycling and mountain biking club (contact +33 5 45 83 43 10) and practice on the motocross terrain set up to the east of the town (information at the town hall on +33 5 45 83 40 41).
It remains to enjoy the bucolic landscapes obviously marked by the wine-growing tradition... A walk must thus include at a place called "Chez Allard", to the east of the town, the highest point of the town where an orientation table has been established and which offers a remarkable panorama over the vineyard. A passage through the hamlet of "Chez Bordin", beautifully flowered, is also to be expected.
Similarly, it is advisable to take advantage of the Ballastières terrain, to the northeast, where shaded paths and picnic areas mark out a green environment.
As for hiking or mountain biking enthusiasts, they have many marked trails of varying distances, which include tasting breaks at cognac or pineau producers or forays north towards the course of the Charente or even the town of Cognac. Maps and information on +33 5 45 82 10 71.
