Who was Estienne de Vignolles, known as La Hire?

Estienne de Vignolles, called La Hire, was a companion-in-arms of Joan of Arc in the 15th century. His former holding is believed to form the foundation of the Bournac estate.

What is the lead lightning rod on the castle?

It is an 18th-century invention by J. de Romas (1713-1776), one of the first systems designed to protect against lightning, consisting of a large lead ball. It remains in service.

What is the spring on the castle grounds?

A natural spring emerges from the rock on the north face, framed by an architecturally designed niche imitating antiquity, complete with a triangular pediment and circular paving.

Château de Bournac

Bournac Castle

Nérac

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Nérac

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Open within 20 km

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Château de Bournac stands in Nérac (Lot-et-Garonne), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 16th century, 17th century, 19th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

Bournac Castle, located in Nérac, dates from the 16th century and is believed to occupy the site of the former holding of Estienne de Vignolles, known as La Hire, who fought alongside Joan of Arc. Its central pavilion, built in the 17th century, was later enhanced by 19th and 20th century additions. The estate features a natural spring emerging from the rock, framed by a niche in the ancient manner, and is distinguished by the lead lightning rod crowning the pavilion, one of the earliest inventions of its kind by J. de Romas, still in working order.

What to know

The castle is listed as a historic monument; the central pavilion and former pigeon house are protected in their facades and roofing, as are certain interior fireplaces.
Documentary sources do not specify public access conditions, visiting hours, or any admission fees.
The building underwent several campaigns of construction and modification spanning the 16th to 19th centuries, which shaped its present appearance.
The lead lightning rod crowning the central pavilion is an 18th-century feature designed by J. de Romas and remains functional.

Where this château is

Nérac · Lot-et-Garonne · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château de Bournac

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

1166 Route de Bordeaux

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00084191
Period of construction: 16th century, 17th century, 19th century

Frequently asked

Who was Estienne de Vignolles, known as La Hire?: Estienne de Vignolles, called La Hire, was a companion-in-arms of Joan of Arc in the 15th century. His former holding is believed to form the foundation of the Bournac estate.
What is the lead lightning rod on the castle?: It is an 18th-century invention by J. de Romas (1713-1776), one of the first systems designed to protect against lightning, consisting of a large lead ball. It remains in service.
What is the spring on the castle grounds?: A natural spring emerges from the rock on the north face, framed by an architecturally designed niche imitating antiquity, complete with a triangular pediment and circular paving.