Château Chesnel

The Château Chesnel is at Cherves-Richemont, near Cognac, in the Charente. Charles de Chesnel had it built between 1610 and 1625 on land inherited from his mother. After the Chesnel line died out in 1754, the estate passed by marriage to the Counts of Roffignac, who still own it and run a wine estate there founded in 1923.

The château, listed as a historic monument in 1965, has a regular plan in the French classical style of Italian inspiration. A front section flanked by three wings precedes a square central block around a courtyard; two round towers with low conical roofs and decorative crenellations complete the whole, surrounded by dry moats. The château and outbuildings have remained intact since they were built.

The visit is led by the owner, in season or by appointment, and the château opens during the Heritage Days. A tasting of the estate's cognac and pineau is offered.

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