Château de Cadillac, Cadillac, France

Château de Cadillac is located at 35 km from the city of Bordeaux, it overlooks the Garonne river and the walled town of Cadillac. The monument was built at the request of Jean-Louis de Nogaret de la Valette (1554-1642), first Duke of Épernon, its primary function was to house the Dukes of Épernon. The castle thus embodies the all-powerful duke, who amasses wealth and honors before he died in disgrace during the reign of Louis XIII.

The building is both a witness of the late Renaissance, but also announces the classicism of the XVII century. Originally, the castle and two wings surrounding a courtyard on three sides, it notably has carved stone fireplaces and marble, painted ceilings of the XVII century tapestries, which testify to the splendor of the residence. Seized during the French Revolution, he served as a prison for women, then a psychiatric hospital. The castle has been reopened for tourists.

User Reviews

michael & jeannie miller (6 months ago)
The staff was very kind and attentive to my needs as a reduced-mobility person. The castle had impressive original tapestries in wonderful condition, and an unusual but fascinating history of what happened there.

Ayotroyee Jana (9 months ago)
Pretty little castle tucked away in Cadillac!

Katina Yordanova (9 months ago)
We have come at 12:30 and they close the door in front of us!

Marston Jane Marston (10 months ago)
Very surprised at how much there is to see inside. Lots of up to date information on screen, visit the prisons and wonderful tapestries - English explanations too. Very nice lady on reception desk. Must go back loved it. 6 euros entry is excellent value. Thank you.

Bach B.A. (13 months ago)
We spent a lovely Sunday here. Amazing castle with rich history. Highly recommended.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Göran Höglund (Kartläsarn)

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Varberg Fortress was built in 1287-1300 by count Jacob Nielsen as protection against his Danish king, who had declared him an outlaw after the murder of King Eric V of Denmark. Jacob had close connections with king Eric II of Norway and as a result got substantial Norwegian assistance with the construction. The fortress, as well as half the county, became Norwegian in 1305.

King Eric's grand daughter, Ingeborg Håkansdotter, inherited the area from her father, King Haakon V of Norway. She and her husband, Eric, Duke of Södermanland, established a semi-independent state out of their Norwegian, Swedish and Danish counties until the death of Erik. They spent considerable time at the fortress. Their son, King Magnus IV of Sweden (Magnus VII of Norway), spent much time at the fortress as well.

The fortress was augmented during the late 16th and early 17th century on order by King Christian IV of Denmark. However, after the Treaty of Brömsebro in 1645 the fortress became Swedish. It was used as a military installation until 1830 and as a prison from the end of the 17th Century until 1931.

It is currently used as a museum and bed and breakfast as well as private accommodation. The moat of the fortress is said to be inhabited by a small lake monster. In August 2006, a couple of witnesses claimed to have seen the monster emerge from the dark water and devour a duck. The creature is described as brown, hairless and with a 40 cm long tail.

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