Château de Montguyon

Château de Montguyon, a powerful castle since the 11th century, was first mentioned in 1080. In 1404, Rosine de Montaut-Mussidan brought it as dowry to Guy II de La Rochefoucauld, and the La Rochefoucauld family owned it until its sale in 1683. The fortress played a role in history, such as being liberated by Dunois after the Battle of Montguyon in 1451. It served as a Protestant stronghold during the Wars of Religion and hosted notable figures like Henri de Navarre (future Henri IV) between 1571 and 1586. In 1621, King Louis XIII and Anne d'Autriche stayed at the castle.

In 1683, Pélagie de Rohan-Chabot acquired the barony, and it remained in the Rohan family's possession until the French Revolution. Struck by lightning in 1793, the castle became a ruin sold as national property.

Built on a rocky spur with remnants of a drawbridge, Montguyon Castle consists of a main building and a tower from the 13th century, modified in the 14th century. Originally reaching a height of 50 meters, the tower now remains in ruins after the 1793 fire. A section of the keep collapsed in 1982 due to an earthquake. Inscriptions of maxims have been discovered on the walls of the second floor.

Address

Rue du Collège 3, Montguyon, France

Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)