Who was Gilles de Raitz, the château's owner?

He was a loyal follower of Charles VII and a companion of Joan of Arc, whose name has remained attached to this château since the Middle Ages.

How many towers of the château remain?

Seven towers are still visible, linked by thick walls around the former moat.

Can the château be visited?

No verified information on visiting arrangements is available; one of the towers now serves as the town hall.

When was the château built?

The current château dates from the 13th century, though a castellum on the site is mentioned as early as 1080.

Château de Gilles de Rais

Saint-Martin-la-Pallu

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Saint-Martin-la-Pallu

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

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Ancien Palais des Comtes de PoitiersDuring the works, only the Grande salle is open to visitors; on weekdays (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday); weekends, public holidays and school holidays18 km

Sleep nearby

Château de Gilles de Rais stands in Saint-Martin-la-Pallu (Vienne), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 13th century, 16th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

In Saint-Martin-la-Pallu, in the Vienne department, this 13th century château recalls a castellum first mentioned in 1080 and its best known owner, Gilles de Raitz, a companion of Joan of Arc. Seven towers linked by thick walls still stand around the former moat, some once used as living quarters and others as a mill, a dovecote, a prison or an archive. The estate also belonged to Jeanne de Valois, the natural daughter of Charles VII and Agnès Sorel, before passing back to the crown.

What to know

The château has been listed as a historic monument since 1984, covering several towers and the vaulted passage.
One of the towers now houses the town hall.
No verified information is available on opening times, fees or visiting arrangements.
The site is located in Saint-Martin-la-Pallu, in the Vienne department.

Where this château is

Saint-Martin-la-Pallu · Vienne · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château de Gilles de Rais

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Saint-Martin-la-Pallu, Vienne

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

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00105418
Period of construction: 13th century, 16th century

Frequently asked

Who was Gilles de Raitz, the château's owner?: He was a loyal follower of Charles VII and a companion of Joan of Arc, whose name has remained attached to this château since the Middle Ages.
How many towers of the château remain?: Seven towers are still visible, linked by thick walls around the former moat.
Can the château be visited?: No verified information on visiting arrangements is available; one of the towers now serves as the town hall.
When was the château built?: The current château dates from the 13th century, though a castellum on the site is mentioned as early as 1080.