Château de la Haute-Guerche

The Château de la Haute-Guerche is located in the ancient village of Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné, now part of the municipality of Val du Layon. It was built in the 13th and 15th centuries. Having belonged to the Savonnière family and then to the Lords of Jumellière, the castle was burnt down in 1793 during the repression of the Chouans and Vendée uprisings. Sold as national property, transformed into a stone quarry and then into a farm, it was not until the 20th century that the whole was preserved as much as possible.

Originally equipped with a house overlooking the Layon and a courtyard with four towers as well as an enclosure with a walkway lined with watchtowers, the fortress is still in the state of vestiges. However, its chapel and the guardhouse building have been restored.

The whole remains imposing and the silhouette of the domain does not lack character in the middle of the hillsides and vineyards dominating the valley.

Open weekends in May, June and September and every day in July and August, as well as by appointment the rest of the year. 

References:

• France Voyage

Address

Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné, Val-du-Layon, France

Details

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