Small town in Charente, in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure is located about thirty kilometers from Angoulême and its famous comic strip and cinema festivals. It is located at the gates of Charente limousine, not far from Saint-Claud, Suaux and Lussac.
Populated since the Gallo-Roman era, as evidenced by the old military marker found on site, the territory of Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure then developed thanks to the two Roman roads located nearby, the first of which led from Saintes to Lyon. Subsequently heavily affected by the wars of religion, the town nevertheless gradually regained its importance.
Very dynamic, the Charente city also seduces with the richness of its architectural and historical heritage to be discovered in the heart of a pleasant natural setting.
Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, but remodeled many times in the 15th and 19th centuries, the Saint-Saturnin church underwent a major restoration campaign in the 2000s which made it possible to unveil some very beautiful sarcophagi. Inside, it also has very beautiful stained glass windows from the 19th century.
As you stroll through the heart of the town, you can also admire the old wash houses of La Folie, de la Bonnieure, du Moulin and de la Fuie visible on the memorial walking path, as well as old beautiful residences like the Breuil house from the 11th century, the Goursac house from the 16th century or even the Chasseneuil and Marillac le Cerf houses.
Don't forget to pass by the 19th century castle, the Temple from the early 20th century, the former Saint-Vincent-de-Paul convent from the 19th century which today houses the association house and the house of the Resistance or the memorial. Built in the second half of the 1940s, the latter is located on a necropolis extending over more than two hectares and which houses the bodies of more than 2,000 soldiers and resistance fighters from the Second World War. More than twenty meters high, the memorial presents the entire history of the resistance on its bas-reliefs.
The René Michaud Resistance House houses memories of the Bir'Hacheim maquis, retracing its entire history during the Second World War. It will soon be connected to the Resistance Memorial by a Memory Path.
To enjoy the sunny days and admire the local landscapes, it is also possible to walk in the Chasseneuil forest, the Bonnieure valley or take the Claude Bonnier road, the Chemin de la Liberté. All circuits can be downloaded from the municipality's website.
A terra adventure circuit on the history of Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure is also possible to discover the town.
