Segonzac
Mayor
Miss Véronique MARENDAT
Contact Details
Mairie
16130 Segonzac
Email : mairie.segonzac@wanadoo.fr
Tel : 05.45.83.40.41
Fax: 05.45.83.40.41
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 09:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 18:00
Saturday 09:00 - 12:00
Area : 3518 Ha
Population : 2166
Presentation
Segonzac has a population of 2300 and is the county town. Situated to the east of the Charante department in the district of Cognac. The boundaries extend over 3518 hectares of which some 1890 hectares is given over to the growing of grapes. The locals have such a reputation for nonchalance that it is said Segonzac is to be found in Lantern Land (An imaginary country inhabited by pretenders to knowledge. In French, Lanternois). In reality though, the locals are wise and determined. The reason for choosing the snail as their emblem is that the snail is an animal that moves resolutely onward and never turns back.
It is our grapes that produce the worlds finest brandy - Cognac Grande Champagne. This elixir is our emissary and is enjoyed in every corner of the world. According to the legend which we hold dear to our hearts, it is here in Segonzac at the beginning of the 17th Century that Cognac was first made by a gentleman farmer, the Knight of the Brown Cross.
Segonzac also boasts what must be the smallest university on the planet. That said, the university attracts students of all nationalities and is the only college to offer degrees in law, management and business studies as related specifically to brandy.
Segonzac also hosts a branch of the Institute of Technology of Vine and Wine for the two Charante departments.
History
Several archaeological excavations at Biard and Font Belle have unearthed Neolithic encampments dating back to around 5000 years B.C. After the conquest of Gaul, the Romans built their villas in the surrounding countryside. According to etymologists, the name of Segonzac could derive from "property belonging to the second son of a family" - secundus meaning second in Latin and "ac" being the Medieval word for "house" used in the area of Southern France known as the Pays d’Oc
These villas were destroyed during the subsequent invasions of the Huns, Francs, Visigoths, Moors and Vikings. A few survived, due mainly to the layout of the area. Segonzac is situated on a plain highly suitable for agriculture and surrounded by thickly wooded hills which offer a high degree of protection from invading forces.
The proximity to the two great roadways of the time, the Boisné Roman road running between Saintes and Périguex and the ancient Gaullish track of Saint Fort which ran North to South doubtless helped the people of Segonzac to survive these trying times, as much from highway robbery as from working the land.
The 100 Years War was a time of extreme violence. The land was ravaged and the population decimated. At the end of hostilities, settlers were encouraged in a bid to repopulate the area. A number of place names predate this resettlement, "Chez" dates from these times and recalls the surnames of the new arrivals. The locals were fiercely Protestant and a Reform Church was built in 1558. Trouble followed and in 1562 the church was set alight.
Heritage
Due to further attacks down the centuries, the church bears witness to the turbulent past. The Roman tower dating from the 11th and 12th Centuries and the 15th Century Gothic apse are listed historical monuments.
The church itself has been rebuilt three times since the Edict of Nantes. It is the biggest in the department which shows the importance of the Reformed Church in the area. In 1998 is was added to the supplementary list of historically important monuments.
Its place in the green belt gives Segonzac a uniquely privileged setting. It offers the traveller the serenity and charm of a stylish town in bloom as well as the magnificent houses of the nearby hamlets which are protected by the customary gatehouse. Lovers of the outdoors will be seduced by the versatile vines, stumbling across a natural spring, the breathtaking views from the hilltops, the highest ones offering a panoramic table showing points of interest.
Les Ballastières (The Borrow Pits) is a huge country park of 37 hectares offering nature lovers shaded walks, picnic spots and a flora as diverse as it is abundant .
