Visit the castles of Charente Maritime!

Charente-Maritime is a territory steeped in history. Around Saintes, on the Gallo-Roman remains of this capital, many castles develop on the banks of the Charente . The provinces of Aunis , the Saintonge valley and Haute-Saintonge offer a rich and nourishing land. Agriculture and viticulture allow economic exchanges with the other surrounding regions, and as far as Northern Europe. Passing from hand to hand, from francs to Bretons especially, this region is prized and coveted. During the Hundred Years War , the villages were fortified and the castles multiplied. During the Renaissance , wine estates took on importance and replaced medieval buildings against a backdrop of religious warfare . Finally, Vauban will come to test these famous fortifications . We take you to discover this exceptional heritage and this incredible history ...

© Cidou / Adobe Stock

Fortified castle of Saint-Jean-d'Angle and its medieval park

The castle of Saint-Jean-d'Angle and its medieval park

We begin our journey through time, in medieval times , between legend and feats of arms … We enter the lands of the powerful family of Lusignan , in the Saintonge valley , at the Château Fort de Saint-Jean-d ' Angle and its medieval park . Protected by Mélusine , the castle is located in the heart of the fairy kingdom and offers all kinds of entertainment and activities related to this prestigious and wonderful past .

Photo: Fortified Castle of Saint-Jean-d'Angle and its medieval park Source: Sheet of the Fortified Castle of Saint-Jean-d'Angle

Photo: Fortified Castle of Saint-Jean-d'Angle and its medieval park

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The medieval city of Pons

We go down to Haute-Saintonge , between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance ... To get in the mood, start by walking through the alleys of the medieval town of Pons .

Soak up the history of this country: here is our article " Discovery of Pons and its historical treasures ".

Symbol of the Middle Ages , the Dungeon of Pons can be visited. For practical details, see its website .

Also discover in Pons, the Château des Enigmes! There you will find something to please young and old alike: a cultural tour of the Renaissance heritage , with its castle and underground passages , its park and its orangery ; a leisure park, the “ castle of enigmas ”, with a course suitable for children from 4 years old .

Photo: Medieval keep of Pons

La Roche-Courbon castle, fortress of the Hundred Years War

Château de la Roche-Courbon has a turbulent history since the Hundred Years War. Between destruction, abandonment, recovery then restoration, the castle is a novel in itself. Listed as a “ Historic Monument ” and “ Remarkable Garden ”, many themed activities are offered at the Château de la Roche-Courbon : Castle Game, Prehistozen, old games or the “ Eutrope the Frog ” course for children …

The castle of Dampierre-sur-Boutonne

The castle of Dampierre-sur-Boutonne has been inhabited for 1000 years . Its last inhabitants will know how to share their passion with you and appreciate this immense part of local history. Whether on a free, guided or event visit, you can take advantage of the activities that take place at the castle all year round. Click here to consult the program of the castle of Dampierre .

Photo: Castle of Dampierre-sur-Boutonne

The castle of Crazannes, the “ Château du Chat Botté ”

The castle of Crazannes conceals many treasures : Romanesque chapel, keep, moat, dovecote, museum … It is also an enchanting environment which inspired Charles Perrault and gave it its nickname of “ Château du Chat Botté ”. To find out about all the castle's activities, visit their website .

Photo: Crazannes Castle

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Beaulon castle, its park and its fountains

Château de Beaulon is a cognac and pineau distillery in the heart of a traditional vineyard . On site, you can admire the facade of the castle in flamboyant Gothic style , between medieval and Renaissance architecture. You will also have the opportunity to walk in its magnificent park with tropical species , or in its undergrowth, famous for its blue fountains ...

Jonzac Castle

In Jonzac , a visit to the medieval castle is a must. It is the guides of the tourist office who make you discover this monument which survived the 100 years war, the Huguenots, the slingers ..., saw passing between its walls colorful political personalities , and which, today 'hui, welcome the town hall and the sub-prefecture!

Photo: Château de Jonzac

The Château de Buzay, a " House of the fields "

We set off for the “ Siècle des Lumières ”, at the Château de Buzay . Nicknamed the "House of the field", this typical ^18th century residence has all the "mod cons of the time." Its architecture, period furniture and French gardens will allow you to better understand this period of great cultural change.

Photo: Château de Buzay

The castle of Panloy, home of an authentic Charente family

The castle Panloy was built by and for families, in the reign of Louis XV, in the ^18th century. It is a true witness of the life of this period. A family heritage, it has preserved over time a very homogeneous architecture, its period furniture and a family garden . If you have the courage, try an atypical visit during its " haunted evenings " ...

Island castles

Before finishing, we take a little tour from island to island and the castles therein: The citadel of Château d'Oléron , Fort Louvois , Fort Boyard near the island of Aix , Fort de Île Madame , Fort de la Prée on Île de Ré. Some can be visited, others can be admired from afar, during an inter-island cruise .

Photo: Fort de la Prée on the Ile de Ré @ Gregory CEDENOT / Adobe Stock

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Our good plans

• The site: mesballades.com lists private and public castles with a lot of passion and detail.
• Here is another essential site to discover the castles of the region: Follow the historic route of the treasures of Saintonge and Aunis .

Our overview of the castles of Charente Maritime ends. There are many others, so do not hesitate to consult the tourist office: Infiniment Charente . To organize your stay more easily, discover our “ Around me ” option: Our geolocation service helps you find nearby tours and activities, a restaurant, or your accommodation .

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Guide de la Charente Maritime.

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