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 At Jarnac a pleasure boat reaches the end of its trip at the foot of the Courvoisier chateau. Jarnac and the Charente valley.The star of a seductive valley.Jarnac is a star waiting in the wings to take her rightful place in centre stage as the jewel of the Charente valley. In most of the town one has, in any case, all the advantages of life in a small country town on the banks of a seductive river. That should be sought out and any potential new resident should put out of their minds any first impressions associated with discovering a strikingly elegant riverside square bisected by the N141 with its trundling traffic and monstrous heavy lorries. For far too long the trunk route has disfigured but not destroyed the charm. At last a relief road is under construction and the centre of the town, bounded by a cognac chateau and ranges of complementary buildings will be a sight to behold. Do not hesitate to stake your claim in this lovely little town!
 Hamlets and other habitations. The suburbs of Angoulême provide the eastern extremity of this quite small Area. Thankfully the river between the two towns is deserted by the main road. It's left to itself to meander in those giant characteristic curves. You'll find by-roads not far from its banks together with a goodly number of hamlets and other habitations. Châteauneuf-sur-Charente is the largest but despite the suffix to the name it benefits little from the river - the town centre being not-too-far-from-it rather than lying alongside it.  A former lock-keeper's home might be ideal for some. A chance to go to the sea. All this section of the river is navigable by small craft and the flow is controlled by locks and weirs. That results in long peaceful reaches reflecting the willows and other water loving trees along its banks. Some who find a holiday home or a more permanent base in this valley would find it a bonus to be able to have a boat at one of the small marinas or quaysides from which they could travel all the way to the mouth of the river at Rochefort in Charente-Maritime (an Area available on this site).  Pineau des Charente. Away from the water the hills rise gently on either side. As one goes downstream the higher slopes become ever more devoted to vineyards. This is brandy country, of course - there are two major cognac houses in Jarnac - but another vinous product is also made in the area. Pineau des Charentes - either red or white - is a pleasant fortified wine which is very popular. Among the chalk downs to the south of the river Segonzac is a modest commercial centre.
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Some further information...
La Donation François Mitterand.
The Cognac 'Houses'.
Cognac - A Liquid History. |
