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Key figures

Origin and history

The manor house of Maine-Giraud, built in the 16th century, stands on the commune of Champagne-Vigny (formerly Champagne-de-Blanzac) in Charente. Its architecture is distinguished by a central polygonal tower dated 1464, with a stone screw staircase, a corbelled turret and a square tower to the west. The estate, surrounded by agricultural buildings and vineyards, preserves the 19th century atmosphere, when it was restored by Alfred de Vigny.

Acquired in 1768 by the Marquis de Baraudin, grandfather of the poet, the mansion then passed to Sophie de Baraudin, canoness of Malta, before being inherited by Alfred de Vigny in 1827. The latter, seduced by his "melancholic aspect", stayed there regularly from 1823 and lived there from 1850 to 1853. He kept the place there, replanted the vineyards, and wrote several works in a cabinet at the top of the tower. The estate, which he bequeathed to Louise Lachaud, was then passed on to the Philippon and Durand families (from 1938 onwards), who developed pine and cognac production.

Partially classified as historical monuments in 1967 (façades and roofs), the mansion is visited today with its distillery, perpetuating the wine tradition initiated by Vigny. The house embodies both the poet's literary heritage and Charentaise rural architecture, marked by its medieval towers and spiral staircase. His history also reflects the upheavals of the Revolution, evoked by Vigny in his unpublished Memoirs: "The breath of Terror had crossed this house. »

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