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

david gripper (2 years ago)
Visit made more interesting by theatrical presentation by the 'Duke' hemself and initiation into dances of the period...

Thomas Nikles (2 years ago)
Typical French - beautiful

Lucy Stocks (3 years ago)
Lovely place to visit, interesting history! Affordable, free for less than 26 year olds and only €6 for others. Doesn't take long to wander around the whole castle, only need 1-2 hours. Would also recommend going into the cathedral opposite the castle

John M Bell (3 years ago)
A hidden gem worth finding. Tapestries hang in almost every room. They are magnificent & have been well cared for. The walk through the castle is highlighted by English & French descriptions. Children will also enjoy the fairy tale themes.

michael & jeannie miller (4 years 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.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright caminanteK

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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.

Château de Cadillac

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