About the area
Marignac is a quiet village located in the heart of the Charente Maritime in South West France, benefiting from a mostly sunny and warm climate from April through to October.
The picturesque village has a 12th century church, an award-winning boulangerie, a playground, a pétanque pitch as well as a recently renovated basketball court. Located amongst the French countryside with beautiful walks through the vineyards on your doorstep, Marignac is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
The local area
Marignac is conveniently located 8-10 minutes from the two historic towns of Pons and Jonzac both which have large supermarkets, cafes and restaurants as well as bi-weekly markets. During the summer months the night markets in both towns (Jonzac on Wednesdays and Pons on Fridays) are a great way to spend a summer’s evening, enjoying live music and local produce in the many food stalls on offer. Alternatively visit one of the local brocantes or one of the many local concerts in July and August.
For families
You’ll be hard-pressed to drag yourselves away from Les Hirondelles, but when you do, the Charente Maritime has a brilliant choice of activities for families and children of all ages. In Jonzac you can visit the historic castle in the centre and on the edge of the town, is Les Antilles de Jonzac, a large leisure centre swimming complex with slides and thermal pools (this is located close to the thermal baths should you prefer something more relaxing and rejuvenating).
In the summer the Base de Loisirs is the perfect place to entertain children with plenty on offer such as a soft play area for younger children and trampolining and rope climbing through the woods for older ones. There is also pony riding at Les Ecurie des Val de Seugne, conveniently located next to the Base de Loisirs. For the more adventurous spirits a go-cart track is only 5 minutes drive away from Marignac on the edge of St Genis de Saintonge. Close to Pons is the Chateau Des Enigmes, a mini theme park that will take you on an adventure through the wooded park and little farm - a great day out for young and old alike!
The beaches of St Georges de Didonnes and Meschers are only 35 minutes drive and La Grande-Côte, La Rochelle, Royan and pretty Île de Ré are also within easy reach.
Culture & exploring the wine regions
The area has many historical sites relating to its past including the periods of Roman occupation, the French Revolution and the World War II.
The towns of Cognac and Jarnac are a must visit to learn about the production of Cognac, with guided tours around the headquarters of Hennesey, Martell and Remy Martin to name but a few. Further afield, but can easily be done in a day trip, is the town of Saint-Emilion, in the heart of the Bordeaux wine region.
Getting to Marignac
The village of Marignac is easy to get to although we highly recommend hiring a car as public transport/taxis are limited.
By Air
Marignac is about 1 hour 15 minutes drive from both La Rochelle and Bordeaux airports. You can hire a car from both of these airports.
By Eurostar/TGV
You can take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to either Lille or Paris where you can change onto a TGV to Angouleme and hire a car from there.
By Ferry and Car
Ferries run frequently from either Portsmouth, Poole and New Haven to Le Havre, Cherbourg and St Malo. Alternatively cross from Dover to either Calais or Boulogne or take the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais.
