Château de Montaigu, Montaigu-Vendée, France

In the 9th century, a wooden castrum was built on a rocky promontory to fend off Viking raids near Durivum (Saint-Georges-de-Montaigu). Later, a stone keep was added with strategic upgrades, including a drawbridge. The Montaigu family, later known as Belleville, pledged loyalty to the Plantagenets. Over time, the property changed hands through marriages and alliances, including a notable period of privateering by Jeanne de Belleville. The fortifications of Château de Montaigu were enhanced in the 15th century under Louis XI's guidance to protect against Breton threats.

Some visible remnants still exist. Originally, there was an oval-shaped enclosure with about ten towers and an entrance gatehouse located in the northeast. The fortified town was situated to the north of the fortress and extended slightly to the east. A dry moat separated the fortified town from the fortress. A barbican protected the entrance gatehouse. A Romanesque keep of the Niort type, with its courtyard and a small enclosure, was located in the castle's courtyard, roughly in the middle in the north-south direction and facing west.

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.

samuel vrignaud (2 years ago)
Too bad the ramparts are a bit abandoned

Les Atypiques (2 years ago)
it is not a castle. the view is beautiful and the walls nice

Angel C (2 years ago)
A beautiful castle for a nice visit ? It's great what they offer for young and old Disguises and puzzles ? The village is also very well preserved and rich in discovery Bravo for this restoration ? Plan a picnic on the other hand ?

Château de Montaigu

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Château de Foix