Jonzac Property Insight

Jonzac is a 4,000 inhabitant French town in the south of Charente Maritime – Poitou Charentes region. The town is built on two hills at the edge of the Seugne, a Charente’s affluent crossing Charente Maritime. Jonzac is closer to Bordeaux, in Gironde, than La Rochelle. Thus, this is the sous-prefecture of the department.

By car, Jonzac is close to the A10 motorway. It is 1 ½ hr from La Rochelle, 1 hr from Bordeaux, ¾ hr from Royan and ½ hr from Saintes and Cognac. Jonzac railway station leads to Bordeaux, Nantes and coaches travel twice a day to Angoulême. La Rochelle – Ile de Ré airport is 120km and Bordeaux airport is 95km from Jonzac.

Overview

With its mild and sunny weather, Jonzac is situated at the heart of a touristy area. The town is also renowned for its modern troglodytic spa, the underground waters of which have medicinal properties. Numerous Prehistoric remains were found in the town: a Gallo-Roman villa was discovered thanks to the building of a leisure centre as well as Merovingian sarcophagus. In the 1570’s, Jonzac was an important economic area due to fairs, pork markets and grain covered markets. But in 1685, numerous inhabitants were forced to move in Bordeaux or in the West Indies.

Jonzac Immobilier & Property Market Trends

With its 45.3% of tenants, Jonzac is a good location for a buy-to-let investment. Large properties are more sought after than small ones and only 24% of the dwellings are apartments. As regards prices, Jonzac is the town where it is easy to find a bargain. However, prices often vary in the area. Thus, it is important to take into account any possibility. For example, 3-room houses may cost about €150,000 but you can also find some for €240,000. The gap between both is not negligible so you need to target the type of property you re looking for before taking a decision.

Figures: 2009

To get updated info about the property prices in the Charente Maritime departement, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

3 Reasons to Buy a Property in Jonzac

• Culture, art and historical heritage: Jonzac houses a great number of historical monuments such as castle, churches and mills. Jonzac Castle is a primitive chateau dating from the 11th century. It was destroyed during the Hundred Years’ War and rebuilt during the 15th century. Today, the town hall and sous-prefecture are situated in the castle. James-Scalfert street, located on the left bank of Seugne, is a medieval picturesque street. Two main mills - a windmill and a water-mill - are also worth seeing: they are both working and may be visited. Not to forget Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais Church with its three-arcature façade. On the highest part of the façade, you can see eight pinnacles with each an enigmatic sculpted human head.

• Tourism – Hobbies: as exposed previously, Jonzac is a famous spa. This is probably one of the most important touristy attractions of the area. Its water has medicinal properties on rheumatology, otorhinolaryngology and phlebology. Its particularity is to be built in a troglodytic site, i.e. former stone quarries. Thanks to the closeness with thermal baths, an aquatic centre was built. Its purpose is both a leisure centre and a health club.

• Economy: food industry is an important part of the economic resources of Jonzac. A cod-transformation company employs over 200 employees, and another one working in local alcoholic drinks (Cognac, Pineau des Charentes and local wine) employs about 50 people. Thanks to its vineyards and woods, Jonzac is the home of an important factory producing barrels.

Property Styles and Architecture in Jonzac

• Charentaise houses: these charming properties are typical from Poitou-Charentes region. They are of rectangular shape and tile roof. They have in general one or two floors only and a piece of land. Beams are often exposed. In Jonzac, Charentaise often have outbuildings, deforming their original shape.

• Detached houses: they are often located in the countryside and offer thus a great view. Some detached houses are made of stones, which are sometimes exposed. Inside, beams are exposed. Outside, the front façade is usually painted. They come with a garden and a garage. They are ideal properties for a main home as they give all the comfort needed.

Click here for more info about the Poitou-Charentes Architecture.