Château de Gavaudun

Gavaudun, France

The Château de Gavaudun on the river Lède. It was built on a rocky spur and overhangs the river. The lofty 13th century keep rises 25m above the level of the rock. The castle was built during the 12th and the 13th centuries, on the main road between Périgord and Agenais. The bishop of Périgueux besieged it and destroyed it for the first time in 1165.

During the Hundred Years' War it was of central importance in the conflict between England and France. In the 15th century, the castle changed families through a marriage. It was recovered by the town of Gavaudun in 1796 in poor condition. Today, the donjon tower of the castle has been protected and listed since 1862.

References:

guide-du-lot-et-garonne.com

Address

Rue du Porche 18, Gavaudun, France

See all sites in Gavaudun

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

More Information

www.guide-du-lot-et-garonne.com
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Château de Cuzorn (5,2 km)

Moissac Abbey (52,9 km)
Château de Bonaguil (10,3 km)
Agen Cathedral (44,7 km)
Saint-Maurin Abbey (39,2 km)
Château de Sauveterre (10,9 km)
Château de Montluc (51,9 km)
Château de Castelnoubel (40,5 km)
Château de Lauquerie (37,2 km)
Château de Beauville (31,2 km)

User Reviews

Linda Morris (2 years ago)
It was a great find. Huge with much history! Well worth a visit.

Margaret Spillane (2 years ago)
So unusual but the steps are narrow and steep so not for the fainthearted or infirmed.

David Spencer (3 years ago)
Loved the place but you need to be a bit of a mountain goat to get round it veiws we're great from the top of the tower

Joe Smith (6 years ago)
Great place for the family, lots of restaurants in the village. Pity the Trebuchet demo was not on, check before visiting

Sven Goossens (6 years ago)
Verry nice and authentic castle/fort. The castle is almost as it was with only railings added for safety. You can go completely to the top where you have a nice view of the area. There is also a 'treasure hunt' for the children! It has many smal ans steep stairs so prepare for a workout.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright caminanteK

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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.

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