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Key figures

Origin and history

The house of Chalonne, also called Petit Chalonne, is a former medieval fief located in Fléac, Charente. It overlooks the Charente valley from the right bank, on a strategic site called the Sainte-Barbe coast. This house, with its counterpart the Grand Chalonne at Gond-Pontouvre, belonged to the lords of Chalonne between 1272 and 1530, and its possessor was to pay homage to the bishop of Angoulême from the thirteenth century.

Before the Hundred Years' War, the Sardain family (or Cerdaing) owned it and built a house there. In 1454, the estate passed to Marguerite de Chesnel, then to Louis de Morlays and his son-in-law Guillon, who transferred him to Michaud Montgeon. In 1530 Jean Montgeon, a merchant and military writer, purchased the title of seigneur du Petit-Chalonne. The house was looted by Protestants during the Wars of Religion in the late 16th century.

In 1602, the house was sold for 7,050 pounds and changed hands several times, notably between the Thinon, Duchesne and Saint-Astier families, before being acquired in 1736 by François du Verdier, future bishop of Angoulême. Between 1763 and 1772, Marquis Marc-René de Montalembert, founder of the Ruelle foundry, rented it and partially rebuilt it. In 1772 it became the property of Pierre Antoine de Jousserant by marriage, then belonged to Dr. Decressac at the beginning of the 20th century. Fernand Pluviaud donated it to the city of Fléac in 1997.

Architecturally, the house is distinguished by its classic balustrade terrace overlooking the Charente, its stone façade, and a 17th century cylindrical turret. The estate spans 15 hectares, including a park, a water room and commons with pigeon trees. The driveway lined with charmilles and the view of Angoulême make it a remarkable site.

The house illustrates the evolution of seigneurial residences in Angoumois, passing from the hands of noble families (Sardain, Montgeon) to ecclesiastical or industrial owners (du Verdier, Montalembert). Its history reflects regional upheavals, from the wars of Religion to the Revolution, preserving medieval and classical architectural elements.

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