Gondeville is a commune in the Charente department in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, 14 km east of Cognac and 24 km west of Angoulême.
Located on the left bank of the Charente river, it is also bordering Jarnac, François Mitterrand's native city, on the left bank.
A part of the territory of the locality consists of marshes, in the south west, and its calcareous soil is long time favorable to the viticulture (production of pineau and cognac). In addition to many vineyards, a distillery and a cooperative are located in the town.
Seigniory receiving large revenues thanks to taxes levied on salt cargoes going up the Charente, Gondeville possessed a first defensive castle in the 10th century. Malted during the Hundred Years War, its stones were used to build a new castle in the 17th century, which belonged to the descendants of the medieval seigneur, Philippe Laisné, until the Revolution.
The heritage, the natural environment and its vineyards make Gondeville (540 inhabitants approximately) a pleasant little stage for who visits the region.
The 17th century castle has been partly preserved and is the village's first asset in terms of built heritage.
If in the nineteenth century it still remained most of the bodies of building arranged around a square court, henceforth, only subsist the house, part of the commons and a gate. In 1947, the house became the town hall of the commune. The weapons of the Laisne family will be noticed on the gates.
Of classical style, in stones of sizes, the whole does not lack character, including the ironworks.
As for the church of Notre-Dame, which was rather sober, it was rebuilt in 1880 and rebuilt in the early twentieth century after a violent storm damaged the original church, built in 1683. Its imposing square spire.
Still in terms of heritage, many wells mark the territory along the Charente. The banks of the river are classified in the Natura 2000 zone because of their rich biodiversity, and they are conducive to interesting walks.
For hiking or mountain biking including the banks of the Charente river at Gondeville, river cruises or even a canoe trip, please ask at 05 81 09 30 or +33 5 45 82 10 71.
Be careful though: it is forbidden to bathe in the Charente at the commune level even if sometimes some areas seem to lend themselves to it.
It is also interesting to visit one of the recognized houses on the appellation contrôlée cognac.
The third Friday of June, feast of the music in the hall of the festivals.
The 4th Saturday of June, country dinner and fireworks. For further information, please contact us at +33 5 45 36 20 75.
The first weekend of August, pineau and accordion party.
The 3rd Saturday in August, "100% chlorophyll night game": fun walk at night to discover the natural resources in a surprising setting.
