Who built Coussay Castle?

It was constructed in the early 16th century by the Cardinal of Saint-Malo, superintendent of finances under Charles VIII.

Why is Cardinal Richelieu associated with the castle?

Richelieu resided there continuously until 1611, then returned in 1617; an oratory bearing his name remains inside.

How did the castle escape destruction?

Demolition begun by speculators during the Revolution was halted by direct order of Bonaparte.

What architectural features characterize the castle?

A central residence flanked by four towers, including a keep crowned with consoles, enclosed by a wall with crenellations adorned with small corbelled turrets.

Château de Coussay

Coussay Castle

Coussay

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Coussay

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

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

Coussay Castle was built in the early 16th century for the Cardinal of Saint-Malo and later occupied by Cardinal Richelieu between 1611 and 1617. Its architecture straddles medieval and Renaissance styles, with a central body flanked by four towers, one serving as a watchtower and keep, surrounded by crenellated walls punctuated with small corbelled turrets. A Renaissance fountain feeds the moats, and an interior chapel retains gilded sculptures.

What to know

The site is not open for regular visits; contact ahead before travelling.
Demolition started after the French Revolution was halted by order of Napoleon, which preserved much of the building.
The interior contains 18th-century paintings, though some are covered with later plaster.
A former justice chamber remains on the first floor of the entrance pavilion, accessed by a spiral staircase.
The crenellated walls of the enclosure and corner pavilions stand out among the most notable elements of the defensive system.

Where this château is

Coussay · Vienne · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château de Coussay

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Coussay, Vienne

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

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00105437
Period of construction: 16th century

Frequently asked

Who built Coussay Castle?: It was constructed in the early 16th century by the Cardinal of Saint-Malo, superintendent of finances under Charles VIII.
Why is Cardinal Richelieu associated with the castle?: Richelieu resided there continuously until 1611, then returned in 1617; an oratory bearing his name remains inside.
How did the castle escape destruction?: Demolition begun by speculators during the Revolution was halted by direct order of Bonaparte.
What architectural features characterize the castle?: A central residence flanked by four towers, including a keep crowned with consoles, enclosed by a wall with crenellations adorned with small corbelled turrets.