Château du Coudray-Salbart

Échiré, France

The Château de Coudray-Salbart is a ruined 13th-century castle in the commune of Échiré. Its architecture is remarkable, having never been altered. Notably, the castle supports spurs of almond wood.

The lords of Parthenay-Larchevêque gained control of the Coudray-Salbart site in the 12th century. In 1152, Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry Plantagenet, who became the King of England in 1154, leading to the Poitou region falling under English rule. The fortress of Coudray-Salbart, built in the early 13th century, became a focal point in the conflicts between the French Capetians and the English Plantagenets.

The castle was however lost its purpose already in the 15th century and was ruined. Today beautiful ruins exist.

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors

Address

Chemin du Château Salbart 1506, Échiré, France

See all sites in Échiré

Details

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

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Château de Cherveux (5,5 km)
Château de Mursay (4,8 km)

Château de Niort (9,6 km)
Saint-Hilaire Church (29,7 km)
Saint-Jouin de Marnes Abbey (60 km)
Maillezais Cathedral and Abbey Ruins (24,9 km)
Château d'Airvault (51,7 km)
Saint-Pierre Abbey (51,6 km)
Château de Saint-Mesmin (49 km)
Saint-Vincent de Nieul-sur-l'Autise Abbey (19,5 km)
Château de Bressuire (48,6 km)

User Reviews

David Pommier (2 years ago)
So much history Really enjoyed the visit

Neen T (2 years ago)
Beautiful & Peaceful

Sandra Ottley (3 years ago)
Great visit. All adult party, so managed narrow steps etc. Not suitable for less able. Guided tour brought everything to our attention. Very knowledgeable and clearly very enthusiastic about history. Also excellent English so we got everything he was telling us. Thank you!

Alexandre CIOT (5 years ago)
Calm site, not much visitors. Not suitable for families with kids under 5, nor disabled persons.

Richard Cook (6 years ago)
Great place for a visit, not to big and not too much reading

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.