Top 4 Castles around Pranzac

15th century stone bridge known as that of the Château de la Rochefoucauld. From the building, there is a superb view of the imposing castle and the waters of the Tardoire. It has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1935. The castle, renowned for being one of the most beautiful and oldest in Charente, can be visited all year round. It is the only castle in France that has been inhabited by the same family for more than 1,000 years. Do not miss !

In the heart of Charente, the Château de la Rochefoucauld stands like a page of history mixed with an enchanted tale. Built around the 16th century on the site of an 11th century fortress, this gem has been cherished by the same family since its earliest days. And that’s something! Strolling through its rooms or admiring the landscape from its towers, you feel the weight of history. It's as if the castle whispers to us both history lessons and stories of adventure.

This magical 16th century Renaissance castle is built on an 11th century fortress whose towers have been preserved. The castle and its gardens have been classified as a historical monument since 1955. Definitely worth the short detour!

The Château de la Tranchade dominates the Anguienne valley on a rocky outcrop protecting the south-eastern access to Angoulême. A strategic stronghold to control Angoulême, La Tranchade has often been besieged.

Appearing in 1019 with Foucauld, lord of La Roche, the La Rochefoucauld family has long been considered a branch of the Lusignan, due to the similarity of their arms. It seems, in reality, that Foucauld was a close relative of the Viscount of Limoges, descendant of a Grand of the court of Charlemagne. Only four other families in France (including that of the Capetians) can claim such seniority. The history of the castle is inseparable from the history of the La Rochefoucauld family which, itself, is part of the political life of its time, century after century. The castle of La Rochefoucauld provides a remarkable illustration of the interweaving of politics and architecture through the life of a family which has continuously owned the castle since Fucaldus laid the first fortification around 980. With the history of the La Rochefoucauld family, the use of architecture for social and political purposes finds one of its most spectacular manifestations. This earned it the justified title of “pearl of Angoumois”. The castle is an anthology of seven centuries of architecture and the home of the La Rochefoucauld family, still present for over a thousand years. To see: the monumental Renaissance staircase (108 steps!), the boudoir of Marguerite de Valois, the kitchens dug into the karst, the state rooms, guards, the 18th century libraries, the main courtyard and its galleries from the 16th.

The current castle of Montbron (or Old Castle) was built during the 15th century, around 1480, shortly after the Hundred Years War left behind many destructions. Built under the authority of Marguerite de Rohan, Countess of Angoulême, the castle consists of a main building on which leans a polygonal tower through which you can access using a remarkable spiral staircase, two magnificent painted fireplaces dating from the 17th century. adorning the two exhibition halls on the first floor. The whole, built with the stones of the old feudal fortress, was integrated into the city surrounded by ramparts. In summer, all the rooms of the castle welcome various artists (painters, sculptors, visual artists, craftsmen...).

The castle was, in the Middle Ages, the seat of one of the most important seigneuries of Angoumois. In the 12th century, La Tranchade was part of the domains of the abbey of Saint-Cybard. In the 14th century, it belonged to the lords of Pressac. The entrance to the estate is via a postern flanked by two asymmetrical square towers, with a parapet on machicolations decorated with shells. A bridge replaced the old drawbridge and crosses the moat dug in the rock. The building is made up of two square buildings, backing onto the keep. The latter is the oldest part, built towards the end of the 14th century. It is rectangular with a blind facade. A hexagonal tower containing the spiral staircase is attached to it. Both are crowned with battlements. The other part of the main courtyard was built in the 17th century. The windows of the south-eastern facade are framed by flat pilasters resting on consoles.

Appeared in 1019 with Foucauld, Lord of La Roche, the family of La Rochefoucauld has long been considered a branch of the Lusignan, due to the similarity of their weapons. It seems, in fact, that Foucauld was a close relative of the Viscount of Limoges, descended from a Grand of the court of Charlemagne. Only four other families in France (including that of the Capetians) can claim such seniority. The history of the castle is inseparable from the history of the La Rochefoucauld family, which itself, century after century, is part of the political life of its time. The castle of La Rochefoucauld gives a remarkable illustration of the interweaving of politics and architecture through the life of a family which has owned the castle without interruption since Fucaldus laid the first fortification around 980. With the history of the La Rochefoucauld family, the use of architecture for social and political ends finds one of its most spectacular manifestations. This earned it the justified title of "Pearl of Angoumois". The castle is an anthology of seven centuries of architecture and the residence of La Rochefoucauld, still present, for more than a thousand years. To see: the monumental Renaissance staircase (108 steps!), Marguerite de Valois' boudoir, the kitchens dug into the karst, the ceremonial rooms, the guards, the 18th century libraries, the main courtyard and its galleries 16th century. Visit sheet translated into 17 languages.