Castles around Julienne offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and architectural evolution. This area in France features diverse historical sites, from medieval fortresses to 19th-century mansions. The landscape provides a setting for exploring centuries of local culture and heritage.
Last updated: June 21, 2026
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The Giraud d'Anqueville, lords of Bois-Charente, built the castle in the 16th century. The main building has a 16th century tower and extensions dating from the 19th century. In 1680, the castle passed through marriage to François Goulard, lord of La Faye, and it became the property of Jean Thioulet, gentleman of the king, at the beginning of the 18th century. Bois-Charente belonged in 1900, at the beginning of the 20th century, to Jean Fougerat known as Élie, a wealthy owner and benefactor for the development of the Cognac vineyard. The Charente pharmacist and winegrower Jean Fougerat (1863-1932) made a fortune by exploiting several pharmaceutical specialties, in particular the famous Rami syrup to treat the bronchi. This bachelor amassed a "considerable fortune", part of his income came from the exploitation of large vineyards that he had acquired around Graves-Saint-amant, his native land. Indeed, after the phylloxera, in 1897, he replanted 350 hectares of vines on his land acquired in the communes of Graves (logis de Bois Charente), Champmillon (domaine de la Chapelle), Saint-Preuil, in 1897 and Lignières-Sonneville between 1898 and 1901. In 1906, he harvested 22,000 hl of wine and produced 3,000 hl of brandy. He developed the logis de Bois Charente and enlarged its park. He planted more than 500 different species there. He set up a wine station where, with his colleagues, he prepared future plantations and improved the distillation processes. In the absence of immediate outlets, he distilled and aged the eau-de-vie and built numerous ageing cellars in Champmillon, Saint-Preuil and Bourg-Charente. When he died, Fougerat donated his estate and his Bois-Charente manor to the city of Angoulême, the universal legatee. She set up an "Institut de la viticulture charentaise" there (soon renamed the "Bureau interprofessionnel du cognac" and repatriated to Cognac in the 1980s). The Manor was active until the early 1980s, then between 2003 and 2016 it became an educational center for young people in judicial protection. The educational support was based on a high-end application restaurant, with the preparation of CAP and BEP certificates as a key. In his will, Jean Fougerat also had an imposing monument erected in Bois-Charente to the glory of Charente viticulture and cognac. Created by the sculptors R. Lamour de dieu and Émile Peyronnet, the work represents "six figures engaged in viticultural work, in bronze bas-relief; a distillery is engraved in marble". Jean Fougerat gave his name to a street in Angoulême and to his foundation, based in Graves-Saint-Amant. The latter supported the Institute of Viticultural Research in 1936, then currently supports the educational center with the CCAS.
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Bourg-Charente castle is a 17th century mansion. Nestled on a rocky promontory, it is located a few kilometers from Cognac. It also houses the remains of a medieval fortress. Acquired in the 20th century, this château houses cellars for producing Grand Marnier. It can be visited from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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It is in this castle that the cognac cellars of the Marnier-Lapostolle family are located, used for the production of Grand Marnier cognac.
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In 1655, Pierre Laisné, Sieur du Chardonneaux acquired the land of Gondeville from the heirs of Samuel de Lanauve. He made great efforts to have Gondeville erected into a parish, which led to many disputes with Jean de Culant, lord of Saint-Même who had a pew in the church while the lord of Gondeville did not. had not. The construction of the church in Gondeville is due to his son-in-law, Isaac Laisné de Nanclas, whose name was given to the main street. Isaac Laisné de Nanclas had a brilliant military career; First becoming lieutenant-colonel of the Sainte-Maure regiment, he was appointed, in 1690, brigadier of the king's armies. He distinguished himself in numerous campaigns and died on October 30, 1704, after having obtained the title of lieutenant-general; he was buried in the church of Gondeville. His son, Philippe Laisné de Nanclas, having died childless, left his property to his nephew, Louis Saulnier, de Pierre Levée. The Saulnier family kept Gondeville until the end of the 18th century. At the beginning of the 18th century, Philippe Laisné de Nanclas built the new castle, all the buildings surrounded a long rectangular courtyard. The castle occupies the east side. On the west side, rose a circular leak. The wrought iron entrance gate to the courtyard is surmounted by a wrought iron impost, bearing an escutcheon with the arms of the Saulnier de la Pierre Levée and Laisné de Nanclas families, flanked by two lions and surmounted by a crown. . On the cadastre of 1849, the various buildings are arranged around a large rectangular courtyard, there remains only the house to the east, part of the outbuildings to the north, a well and the gate to the south. It should be noted that the stones which would have been used to build the current castle would come from the first fortified castle which would have been built in the 10th century on an island in the Charente to block the road to the Vikings who went up the Charente. It would have been destroyed during the Hundred Years War, but still existed in the 17th century. The two remaining wings became the town hall in 1947. .
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In 1262, the land of Bourg already belonged to the Ollivier family. In 1363, Sir Ollivier, Baron de Bourg, paid homage to the Prince of Wales, the remarriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine having made the castle of Bourg-Charente an English possession. It then passed to the Bragier, Gouffier, Pons de Pons families, to the Count of Miossens (lord of Pons and governor of Guyenne). The current castle was built by Pons de Pons, to replace the fortified castle destroyed by Marshal de Sancerre while trying to take it back from the English. A Le Camus de Neville was the last lord. In 1921, it was bought by the Marnier-Lapostolle family to set up its cognac cellars there, necessary for the production of Grand Marnier. Since 2012, there are also stills used for the distillation of bitter oranges used in the recipe for Grand Marnier liqueurs.
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Construction of the second half of the 19th century, the castle of Gademoulin stands proudly in the town of Gensac-la-Pallue. Neo-Gothic in style, it takes place on the remains of an old medieval castle destroyed in the 16th century during the protests against the salt tax. Sold as national property under the French Revolution, it now houses a luxury accommodation space.
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Possibility of stopping on the castle side or opposite to observe the splendid facade of the castle.
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The castles in Julienne offer a rich historical tapestry. For instance, Bourg-Charente Castle is a 17th-century mansion built on the remains of a medieval fortress. Saint-Brice Castle, constructed around 1550-1560, has been owned by the famous Hennessy Cognac family since 1906. The Manor of Bois-Charente features a 16th-century tower with 19th-century extensions, reflecting centuries of architectural evolution.
Yes, Bourg-Charente Castle is categorized as family-friendly. Its historical significance and unique connection to Grand Marnier production can be an interesting experience for families.
Several castles have unique associations. Bourg-Charente Castle houses the cellars for producing Grand Marnier. Saint-Brice Castle has a long-standing connection with the Hennessy Cognac family. The Manor of Bois-Charente is linked to the Jean Fougerat Foundation, which supported viticultural research and development in the region.
Some castles are accessible to visitors. Bourg-Charente Castle can be visited from Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Gademoulin Castle in Gensac-la-Pallue has been transformed into a luxury accommodation space, offering a different kind of visitor experience.
The castles around Julienne showcase a range of architectural styles. You can find medieval fortress remains at Bourg-Charente Castle, a neo-Gothic construction from the 19th century at Gademoulin Castle, and a blend of 16th-century and 19th-century styles at the Manor of Bois-Charente.
Yes, there are several hiking routes available. For example, you can explore the area around Bourg-Charente Castle with routes like the 'Bourg-Charente – loop' or the 'Bourg-Charente Castle – Saint-Brice Castle loop'. You can find more details and routes on the Hiking around Julienne guide.
The region offers various cycling routes. You can find routes like 'The Jarnac Quays – Saint-Brice Castle loop from Julienne' which passes near Saint-Brice Castle. Explore more options on the Cycling around Julienne guide.
Visitors particularly enjoy the rich history and diverse architectural styles, from medieval fortresses to 19th-century constructions. The unique connections to local industries like Cognac and Grand Marnier also add to their appeal. The komoot community has shown appreciation with over 100 upvotes and 8 photos shared for these highlights.
Yes, Gademoulin Castle in Gensac-la-Pallue, a neo-Gothic construction, has been transformed into a luxury accommodation space, offering a unique stay within a historic setting.
Absolutely. Many castles are situated in areas with excellent outdoor activity options. For instance, you can find gravel biking routes around Julienne, including those that pass near Saint-Brice Castle. Check out the Gravel biking around Julienne guide for more details.
The Manor of Bois-Charente, originally built in the 16th century, is notable for its architectural evolution and its association with Jean Fougerat, a wealthy owner and benefactor who significantly contributed to the development of the Cognac vineyard in the region. It also housed an 'Institut de la viticulture charentaise' for many years.


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