What remains visible of Montmoreau Castle?

The 15th-century residence with its two towers and the Romanesque chapel built in two distinct phases during the 12th century. The defensive moats have been filled in, but the site's overall structure remains.

Does the chapel contain any original painted decoration?

No, the frescoes that once adorned the choir's dome have disappeared. They depicted notably the martyrdom of Saint Eutrope and other sainted figures.

What are the remarkable architectural features?

The chapel choir displays a unique trefoil plan with central dome and three apses. The residence entrance is adorned with ogival mouldings and pinnacles, and the gables are decorated with flamboyant crockets.

Château de Montmoreau

Montmoreau Castle

Montmoreau

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Montmoreau

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Château de la Mercerie (Mercerie Castle)from €1214 km
Château de Chalais (Chalais Castle)from €1116 km
Château de Villebois-Lavalette (Villebois-Lavalette Castle)April, May, June, September; Sunday and Tuesday 2:30pm-5:30pm; July and August; Sunday and Monday 2:30pm-6:30pm; October to March; afternoons Tuesday-Saturday and some Sundays 2:30pm-5:30pm15 km

Sleep nearby

Château de Montmoreau stands in Montmoreau (Charente), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 12th century, fourth quarter of the 15th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

Montmoreau Castle preserves remains of a medieval stronghold whose core dates from the 15th century. A principal residence flanked by two towers with older foundations displays the architecture of its era: gables ornamented with flamboyant crockets, entrance door enhanced with ogival mouldings and pinnacles, heraldic low-relief carving. The site's chapel, built in two phases during the 12th century, shows unusual architectural ambition: its choir features a trefoil plan with central dome and three apses, a remnant of a decorative program now vanished.

What to know

The chapel and castle facades have been listed as historic monuments since the 1950s.
Reception facilities, visiting hours and access conditions are not documented: inquire with the local town hall or regional information.
The building mixes two distinct periods, from the 12th century for the chapel in its original form to the 15th for the residence visible today.
The moat once visible on the plateau side has been filled in, altering the site's original defensive appearance.

Where this château is

Montmoreau · Charente · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château de Montmoreau

Loading the map…

This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

16190 Montmoreau

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

Get directions View on a map

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00104431
Period of construction: 12th century, fourth quarter of the 15th century

Frequently asked

What remains visible of Montmoreau Castle?: The 15th-century residence with its two towers and the Romanesque chapel built in two distinct phases during the 12th century. The defensive moats have been filled in, but the site's overall structure remains.
Does the chapel contain any original painted decoration?: No, the frescoes that once adorned the choir's dome have disappeared. They depicted notably the martyrdom of Saint Eutrope and other sainted figures.
What are the remarkable architectural features?: The chapel choir displays a unique trefoil plan with central dome and three apses. The residence entrance is adorned with ogival mouldings and pinnacles, and the gables are decorated with flamboyant crockets.