Jarnac: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Jarnac is located on a hill on the right bank of the Charente. Those considering Jarnac as a place to stay may want to rent a holiday apartment.

History and Culture

The Maison Natale de François Mitterrand at 22 Rue Abel Guy is open to visitors. It features living rooms, furniture and objects preserved for four generations, a garden and a cooperage. The building was erected on the site of the last Protestant temple approved before the revocation of the Edict of Nantes on 18 October 1685.

The Musée François Mitterrand is located in the Espace culturel de l’Orangerie and displays gifts that François Mitterrand received from prominent figures and heads of state from around the world. Beneath the Église Saint-Pierre lies the 12th-century Saint-Michel crypt, which is protected as a historic monument. From the 8th century onwards, the original church belonged to the Abbey of Saint-Cybard in Angoulême.

The Temple protestant in Jarnac, including its interior furnishings, is fully listed as a historic monument; the listing was made by decree on 26 October 1998.

“Les itinéraires du temps – Jarnac à l'époque industrielle” is a digital experience featuring virtual reality, historical reconstructions and interactive tasks about the town of Jarnac in the 19th century.

Water and Activities

The Aire de loisirs de l’Île Madame has volleyball and basketball courts, children’s play areas and a skate park; the facilities are open to everyone. During the summer season, Jarnac Sports Canoë Kayak offers various water activities on the Charente, as well as canoe, kayak, paddleboard and large paddleboard hire. The offering also includes a 5 km circular route starting and ending in Jarnac.

The Piscine de Jarnac is an aquatic complex with a large pool, a paddling pool and green spaces.

Landscape and Trails

The Châteauneuf-sur-Charente–Cognac stage of La Flow Vélo runs through the vineyards of the Charente and the river landscape; a detour to Jarnac is worthwhile.

The “Au fil de l'eau” circular trail leads through Jarnac to Île Madame. The park and the banks of the Charente invite visitors to enjoy relaxed walks all year round. Jarnac also has a 3 km walking trail.

Southeast of the municipality of Jarnac lies the type I ZNIEFF Champ Buzin. The area covers a total of 212 hectares and encompasses the Charente; around one third lies in the neighbouring municipality of Gondeville.

Local Flavours

From December to February, the Marché aux truffes takes place in Jarnac every year as a local gastronomic event.

Other destinations: Boutiers-Saint-Trojan, Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire, Claix, Aigre, Gourville, Ansac-Sur-Vienne, Marcillac-Lanville, Nonac.

To the higher-level travel overview: Charente.