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.

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Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Late Capetians (France)

Rating

3.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

samuel vrignaud (15 months ago)
Too bad the ramparts are a bit abandoned
Les Atypiques (15 months ago)
it is not a castle. the view is beautiful and the walls nice
Angel C (15 months 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 ?
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