What remains of the château des Cars today?

Two towers, an artillery rampart with its pavilions, and the 16th-century stable building still stand; the rest of the castle disappeared after being demolished following the Revolution.

Why is the castle in ruins?

Sold as national property during the Revolution, it was bought by stone merchants who tore it down to resell the materials.

Can the stables be visited?

Yes, they are part of the visit and still contain wall paintings of horses, a rare survival for a Renaissance stable building.

Where is the château des Cars located?

It stands in the village of Les Cars, in the Haute-Vienne department, about 27 kilometres from Limoges.

Château des Cars

Cars Castle

Les Cars

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Where: Les Cars

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Château des Cars stands in Les Cars (Haute-Vienne), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 16th century, 18th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

At Les Cars, in the Haute-Vienne department, the ruins of a Renaissance castle tell the story of the rise and fall of the Pérusse family, once among the most influential in the Limousin region. Only two towers, an artillery rampart and a remarkably well-preserved 16th-century stable block remain from the once-vast residence, the stables still bearing painted scenes of horses on their walls. Excavations on the site have uncovered a wealth of objects, now shown in an on-site exhibition room.

Written from Château des Cars

What to know

The castle is visited as open-air ruins, without the fittings of an inhabited residence.
The visit includes the former stables, decorated with 16th-century wall paintings.
Objects uncovered during archaeological excavations are displayed in an on-site exhibition room.
As the site consists of outdoor ruins, sturdy footwear is advisable for uneven ground.
The monument belongs to the commune of Les Cars, in the Haute-Vienne department.

Where this château is

Les Cars · Haute-Vienne · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

3 Pl. de Pérusse, 87230 Les Cars

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

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Château phone number

+33 9 60 07 30 07

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The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

4.2 / 5from 144 Google reviews

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00100263
Period of construction: 16th century, 18th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

What remains of the château des Cars today?: Two towers, an artillery rampart with its pavilions, and the 16th-century stable building still stand; the rest of the castle disappeared after being demolished following the Revolution.
Why is the castle in ruins?: Sold as national property during the Revolution, it was bought by stone merchants who tore it down to resell the materials.
Can the stables be visited?: Yes, they are part of the visit and still contain wall paintings of horses, a rare survival for a Renaissance stable building.
Where is the château des Cars located?: It stands in the village of Les Cars, in the Haute-Vienne department, about 27 kilometres from Limoges.