What remains of the Haut-Clairvaux castle?

Only a tower and a seigneurial chapel survive from a fortress that once had a keep and seven towers.

Who fortified the Haut-Clairvaux castle?

Richard the Lionheart, then Duke of Aquitaine, ordered its fortification in 1182.

Is the Haut-Clairvaux castle a listed monument?

Yes, the tower and chapel have been classified since 1926, and the archaeological remains of the site have been listed since 2024.

Why was the castle destroyed?

It was abandoned and then dismantled at the end of the 16th century, with its stones reused for local buildings.

Haut-Clairvaux Castle

Scorbé-Clairvaux

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Prices: Free
Visit duration: 90 min
Where: Scorbé-Clairvaux

Hours and prices not verified at the source yet.Check on the official website

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Château du Haut-Clairvaux stands in Scorbé-Clairvaux (Vienne), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 12th century, 13th century). Admission is free. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Standing on a hill above the Envigne valley, the ruins of the Haut-Clairvaux castle recall a medieval stronghold begun in the 11th century and reinforced at the end of the 12th century on the orders of Richard the Lionheart. Dismantled after the Wars of Religion, only a tower and a seigneurial chapel remain from what was once a keep flanked by seven crenellated towers. Archaeological digs carried out between 2014 and 2020 uncovered a monumental gatehouse and a horseshoe-shaped main tower, a rare design for its time in both France and England.

Written from Château du Haut-Clairvaux

What to know

The site sits on a hill, so reaching it involves a walk with some uphill sections.
Only a tower and a chapel remain from the original fortified complex.
Archaeological excavations took place at the castle between 2014 and 2020.
A partial restoration of the surviving remains was carried out in 1995.

Practical information

Prices

Adult: Free

Free for guided tour on the first Sunday of the month free of charge

Visit duration: 90 min
Wheelchair access: Not verified
Dogs: Not verified
Parking: Not verified

Where this château is

Scorbé-Clairvaux · Vienne · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château du Haut-Clairvaux

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

1 Chem. du Donjon, 86140 Scorbé-Clairvaux

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

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Château phone number

+33 5 49 21 05 47

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4.3 / 5from 120 Google reviews

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00105725
Period of construction: 12th century, 13th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

What remains of the Haut-Clairvaux castle?: Only a tower and a seigneurial chapel survive from a fortress that once had a keep and seven towers.
Who fortified the Haut-Clairvaux castle?: Richard the Lionheart, then Duke of Aquitaine, ordered its fortification in 1182.
Is the Haut-Clairvaux castle a listed monument?: Yes, the tower and chapel have been classified since 1926, and the archaeological remains of the site have been listed since 2024.
Why was the castle destroyed?: It was abandoned and then dismantled at the end of the 16th century, with its stones reused for local buildings.