Is the château de l'Herm still inhabited today?

No, it consists of restored ruins that have been uninhabited since being dismantled in the 19th century.

Why is the château de l'Herm famous?

It owes part of its renown to Eugène Le Roy's novel Jacquou le Croquant, which is set there.

Who built the château de l'Herm?

Jean de Calvimont, a magistrate raised to nobility, began its construction in the early 16th century, later completed by his son of the same name.

Is the château de l'Herm accessible on foot from a parking area?

The available facts do not specify parking or access conditions.

Château de l'Herm

Herm Castle

Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac

Visit

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Where: Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac

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To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

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Château de l'Herm stands in Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac (Dordogne), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 15th century, 16th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Set deep in the woods of the Périgord Noir, the château de l'Herm displays the dramatic ruins of a flamboyant Gothic residence built in the early 16th century by Jean de Calvimont, a magistrate raised to nobility whose son later served as ambassador for François I. Sold off and dismantled in the 19th century, it fell into ruin before gaining fame as the setting of Eugène Le Roy's novel Jacquou le Croquant. A monumental fireplace and a facing spiral staircase still hint at the grandeur of this building, poised between medieval fortress and Renaissance residence.

What to know

The site stands isolated in woodland, away from the village of Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac.
The building is a listed historic monument, with protection covering the ruins, the moat, the access path and the bridge.
The château is visited as restored ruins, without a roof or complete interior fittings.
Restoration work is ongoing on certain elements such as the fireplace and the roof frame.
Sturdy footwear is advisable, as the site and its surroundings are set in natural woodland terrain.

Where this château is

Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac · Dordogne · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château de l'Herm

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac, Dordogne

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

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00082786
Period of construction: 15th century, 16th century

Itineraries

Frequently asked

Is the château de l'Herm still inhabited today?: No, it consists of restored ruins that have been uninhabited since being dismantled in the 19th century.
Why is the château de l'Herm famous?: It owes part of its renown to Eugène Le Roy's novel Jacquou le Croquant, which is set there.
Who built the château de l'Herm?: Jean de Calvimont, a magistrate raised to nobility, began its construction in the early 16th century, later completed by his son of the same name.
Is the château de l'Herm accessible on foot from a parking area?: The available facts do not specify parking or access conditions.