With its 20-metre-high walls and distinctive ‘shell keep’ construction – literally a “shell-shaped keep” – the castle towered over the marshlands and offered a view of the ocean! Built atop a reconstructed motte, the castle is surrounded by a moat and comprises a circular curtain wall enclosing residential buildings arranged around a central courtyard. Two towers flank the ramparts, and the entire structure is impressively designed for both passive and active defence.
At the beginning of the 17th century, Louis’s daughter, Charlotte Saint-Gelais de Lusignan, restored the building, which had been damaged by successive musket fire. She replaced the drawbridge with a permanent stone bridge, added large windows, and – the height of modernity – had latrines built. A formal French garden completed the transformation. The medieval fortress was turned into a pleasant residence where local nobility would gather.
In December 1994, Alain Rousselot purchased the property with the firm intention of restoring it. Once the overgrowth was cleared away, the state of the site proved disastrous. Major restoration work, undertaken in collaboration with the French Monuments Authority, lasted from January 1995 until the year 2000. No fewer than 76,000 litres of water mixed with lime were poured into every crevice of the ramparts. A colossal effort was undertaken, saving the castle just in time.
Come and enjoy an unforgettable day with a wide range of activities for all ages!
Armed with a treasure hunt for children and a quiz for adults, set off to conquer our fortified castle, a listed historic monument, and its 15-hectare park. The 12th-century castle, the motte, the medieval garden, the rose garden, the working siege machines, the archery range, and the farm animals will immerse you in the medieval atmosphere. The barefoot trail, Mélusine’s glade, the orienteering course, and the maize maze will lead you through vast natural landscapes.
The Musical Forest: the fairy Mélusine invites you to experience a magical musical adventure in her enchanted forest, inhabited by mischievous characters. Join the forest concert and play with them on a range of magical instruments.
Challenges and laughter guaranteed, with over 40 traditional games in the great outdoors!
Opening Times
Ticket office closes one hour before the site closes.
