Does the La Rochefoucauld family still own the château de Verteuil?

Yes, the family has owned it since it was first recorded in 1080, apart from periods of seizure during the Hundred Years' War.

What remains of the original medieval castle?

Several walls of the 12th century keep survive, partly reworked in the 15th century, along with archaeological traces predating the 11th century.

Why was the castle rebuilt several times?

It was demolished in 1442 by Charles VII, partly destroyed during the Fronde in 1650, then damaged by fire in 1793 during the Revolution, before being restored in the 19th century.

What happened to the Unicorn Hunt tapestries?

Rediscovered at the castle in 1850, they were sold in 1923 to John D. Rockefeller Jr.

Château de Verteuil

Verteuil Castle

Verteuil-sur-Charente

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Verteuil-sur-Charente

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Château de Verteuil stands in Verteuil-sur-Charente (Charente), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 11th century, 12th century, 15th century, 19th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

Guarding a route once linking Limoges to La Rochelle, this stronghold stands above Verteuil-sur-Charente and the valley below, in the hands of the La Rochefoucauld family since the 11th century. English sieges, demolitions and later reconstructions have shaped its present form, marked by a triangular plan, a medieval gatehouse and five conical towers. A 12th century keep survives in part, while a 14th century tower now houses a library, and archaeological digs have brought to light the traces of a Romanesque chapel.

Written from Château de Verteuil

This place also features in The castles of Queen Margot · The castles of Henry IV

What to know

The castle is a listed historic monument, including the inner courtyard ground and the northern moat area.
No verified information on opening hours or admission fees is available here.
The site sits on high ground above the village, meaning a sloped approach is needed to reach it.
The park has lost much of its 18th and 19th century layout, though some traces remain, such as the box hedge wood and the terrace basins.

Where this château is

Verteuil-sur-Charente · Charente · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château de Verteuil

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

16510

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

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00104534
Period of construction: 11th century, 12th century, 15th century, 19th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Does the La Rochefoucauld family still own the château de Verteuil?: Yes, the family has owned it since it was first recorded in 1080, apart from periods of seizure during the Hundred Years' War.
What remains of the original medieval castle?: Several walls of the 12th century keep survive, partly reworked in the 15th century, along with archaeological traces predating the 11th century.
Why was the castle rebuilt several times?: It was demolished in 1442 by Charles VII, partly destroyed during the Fronde in 1650, then damaged by fire in 1793 during the Revolution, before being restored in the 19th century.
What happened to the Unicorn Hunt tapestries?: Rediscovered at the castle in 1850, they were sold in 1923 to John D. Rockefeller Jr.