Discover Saint Preuil

Discover Saint Preuil through several distinct themes: medieval architecture, rural fountains and washhouses, woodland nature, and winegrowing and Cognac. When planning your stay, you can consider which of these themes best matches your interests. The Église Saint-Projet represents the town’s architectural history, the walking routes offer different thematic focuses, and the local wine industry ranges from research to Cognac production.

Église Saint-Projet: architectural history and stained glass

The Église Saint-Projet was built in the late 13th century and altered in the 15th century. The bell tower was also built during that same period. This makes it possible to distinguish chronologically between the original construction, the later alterations and the tower’s construction.

The three upper openings in the façade feature modern stained-glass windows in different shades of blue. The medieval building and the modern glazing represent two clearly distinct periods. If you are interested in church architecture, the Église Saint-Projet offers both a sequence of construction phases and a specific detail of colour.

Walking routes, water points and pilgrimage history

“Saint-Preuil, Les secrets de la forêt” is one of the discovery trails offered by Grand Cognac via the LegendR app. Another focus is the Circuit des Fontaines et des Lavoirs: this walking route leads to rural fountains and washhouses, with a historical and/or anecdotal description at each water point. The two offerings have different focuses: one is an app-based discovery trail, while the other centres on water points and their stories.

The Place Jacquaire in Saint-Preuil is also part of the area’s history: it bears witness to pilgrims who once passed through on their way to Santiago de Compostela. This adds a connection with the journeys of past pilgrims to the themes of architecture and rural water points. Depending on whether you are interested in digital route guidance, historical descriptions at water points or pilgrimage history, you can see the area from different perspectives.

Woodlands, amphibians and sustainable winegrowing

Fire-bellied toads and spotted salamanders can be found in the woodlands around Saint-Preuil. This offers a specific connection to local wildlife for nature enthusiasts. Another connection with nature and the environment is the Domaine de La Bataille. It is now a research centre addressing the challenges of climate change and sustainable winegrowing. New viticultural practices are being tested there to benefit biodiversity and soil life.

These themes offer different perspectives: the woodlands are about possible encounters with amphibians, while the Domaine focuses on research and viticultural practices. This also makes Saint Preuil interesting for travellers who, alongside architectural history and rural routes, want to consider nature or the development of winegrowing.

Cognac Courtin and Grande Champagne

Cognac Courtin is located in Saint-Preuil, in the heart of Grande Champagne, the Premier Cru of Cognac. Production extends from planting to bottling and includes tasks such as pruning and distillation. This connects Grande Champagne with the specific steps involved, from winegrowing to Cognac production. Visits to Cognac Courtin are by appointment; plan your visit with a time arranged in advance.

There is a picnic table at the Circuit des Fontaines et des Lavoirs. As on-site facilities may change, check whether the table is available before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Courcôme, Saint-Sornin, Saint-Même-les-Carrières, Ventouse, Lachaise, Mainzac, Villebois-Lavalette, Gondeville.

For the wider travel overview: Charente.