Castle of Jonzac rises majestically from a rocky spur overlooking the Seugne Valley in Charente-Maritime, with its origins documented as early as 1073. Destroyed during the Hundred Years' War, the castle was rebuilt in the 15th century by its lords and later welcomed royal visitors including young King Louis XIV, the Queen Mother, and Cardinal Mazarin in 1659. The castle remained in the Sainte-Maure family until the 17th century, subsequently passing to the Espardes de Lussan lineage until the Revolution. Classified as a historic monument since 1913, the castle's preserved medieval architecture includes two prominent round towers and supporting structures; today the north wing houses municipal offices while the south wing serves administrative functions, maintaining the castle's civic importance.
