The town of Jonzac is situated at the southern end of the Charente-Maritime department between Saintes (40km north) and Bordeaux (70km south). With a history dating back at least to the ancient romans, the town has in recent decades reinvented itself as a popular spa and leisure centre.
Away from the spa there are also some interesting buildings in Jonzac based around its lively town centre.
Explore Jonzac
Water and spa
Jonzac is best known for being a spa town, and although the spa waters were first discovered only 30 years ago, several thousand visitors a year now visit to receive the therapeutic benefits of the water from the thermal springs.
More recently a substantial water-based leisure complex has also been opened at Jonzac, known as the 'Antilles de Jonzac' and featuring a lagoon, indoor beach, waterfalls etc.
Buildings and monuments
The most notable building in the town is the Chateau de Jonzac. The chateau was built in the 15th century on the site of an earlier castle that had been destroyed during the Hundred Years War.
Extensive changes were made during the 19th century, part of the original castle demolished, and the moat filled in, but significant parts of the medieval castle remain including the two main round towers and several other interesting architectural details.
Still in active use, the chateau now houses the town hall and also an archaeology museum (in the cloisters).
The Church of Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais is a 12th century roman style church with an attractive facade and a nicely proportioned belltower, while another religious monument in Jonzac is the Convent of the Carmes (16th century, now home to a cultural centre).
Elsewhere in Jonzac there are some smaller highlights to discover, such as the medieval houses in the 'Rue James-Scalfert', in the historic part of Jonzac and a gateway through a small remaining part of the towns original defensive ramparts.
The 19th century is best represented by the market hall in Jonzac centre, with a structure based on a metal framework (as popularised at that time by the Eiffel Tower).
Note: photo is copyright
Attractions nearby
At Barbezieux, to the east of Jonzac, you can see a medieval castle. Our favourite town close to here is Cognac, about 30 kilometres to the north-east of here and famous for the brandy produced in the town
You can find more travel ideas in the Charente-Maritime guide and the Poitou-Charentes guide.
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Hotels in Jonzac
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Map of Jonzac and places nearby
Visit near Jonzac with France This Way reviews
Pons
Pons is a quiet small town overlooked by a castle tower that is a pleasant place for a stroll
Pons guide
Barbezieux
Here in the small town of Barbezieux it is the castle that dominates the town, and your visit...
Barbezieux guide
Cognac
Cognac has an extensive old twon and town centre, nice riverside walk and lots of Cognac distilleries. Definitely recommended.
Cognac guide
Jarnac
Visitors to Jarnac can explore the small old town, walk along the riverside, and sample the local Cognac!
Jarnac guide
Saint-Simon
In the Charente town of Saint-Simon you will enjoy a stroll along the river, and perhps then a boat trip along the river
Saint-Simon guide
Pauillac
The small town of Pauillac is best known for the surrounding wine chateaux such as Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, Chateau Latour and Chateau Mouton Rothschild
Pauillac guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Charente-Maritime
Tourist classifications for Jonzac
Jonzac is classified as a recommended detour town (plus beau detour)
Address: Jonzac, Poitou-Charentes, 17500, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.446667, longitude -0.433611
Plan your visit to Jonzac, Charente-Maritime
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Forêt de la Lande: site of natural beauty (16 km)
- Pons ancien hopital des pèlerins (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (16 km)
- Forêt de Pons: site of natural beauty (17 km)
- Parcs et jardins du château de Beaulon: remarkable garden (21 km)
- Eglise de Saint-Germain (Gimeux): religious monument (22 km)
- Jardin du Chaigne: remarkable garden (25 km)
- Eglise de Saint Martin (Gensac-la-Pallue): religious monument (27 km)
- Abbaye Notre Dame de l'Assomption de Châtre (Saint-Brice): religious monument (31 km)
- Château de Richemont (Charente): site of natural beauty (31 km)
- Abbaye de Fontdouce (Saint-Bris-des-Bois): religious monument (36 km)
- Abbaye aux Dames de Saintes (Saintes): religious monument (36 km)
- Saintes basilique St Eutrope (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (37 km)
Market days in Jonzac, France
Regular market(s) are held in Jonzac each Tuesday & Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Jonzac (Francais)