Château de Sarzay, Sarzay, France

The Château de Sarzay is a 14th-century castle in the village of Sarzay. This imposing medieval fortress comprises 38 towers and three drawbridges. Numerous furnished rooms maintain their historical authenticity. From the tops of the towers, with their superb carpentry, one can discover the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Restored deep moats, the chapel and the hall complete the beauty of the site.

The manor of Sarzay belonged to the Barbançois family since the middle of the 14th century. They were a family of knights whose sons distinguished themselves in the battles of the Hundred Years War. The family built the castle and remained owners until 1720. Their title was promoted to marquis in 1651.

To begin with, the castle was open ground circled by a ditch and defended by an enclosure of which the only remnant is a chapel-tower. In 1360, the lord of Sarzy, Guillaume de Barbançois, fought the English outside the nearby town of La Châtre, before looting the town. Sarzay was at the edge of the kingdom of France, facing the English possessions of Poitou, Limousin and Aquitaine, and thus formed part of the first line of defence of the kingdom. Around 1440, Jean de Barbançois constructed a hall flanked with five towers, one of which served the various floors. The towers were crowned with machicolations. The castle contained the English invasion. Surviving intact from the Hundred Years War, the Wars of Religion, the Fronde and the French Revolution, it is today one of the most photographed monuments in France.

The castle on two hectares was bought in the end of 1982 by Richard Hurbain and his wife, Francoise, and their three sons. Hurbain pledged to restore the moats, build halls in the medieval style, and restore outbuildings as holiday accommodation. The castle is open to the public.

User Reviews

Bob Watkins (12 months ago)
It was a beautiful Castle self-guided tour was much appreciated

Jane Anderson (2 years ago)
A must visit if you are in the area. The owner is there on arrival. Very accommodating. Notes were provided in every language. Great historical atmosphere

clare (2 years ago)
Wonderful old remains of a fortified chateau, access to all floors including roof space which is spectacular for its rafters and construction. Very atmospheric countryside, can imagine that it hasn't changed much in 500 years. Well worth the 7 euro entrance fee.

Nev Duke (2 years ago)
A lovely 14th Century castle with period furniture and tools just left in it. Very authentic like the people just left it in a hurry. A great look back into history and only 7 euros to enter. We were there for about and hour but we'll worth a visit. We had the place to ourselves and were just left to wander with an information sheet which comes in all languages.

Alan BOARD (2 years ago)
Of the several châteaux in the area this is the most fascinating and a true relic of the Hundred years war I believe.

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