Château de Lanquais

Château de Lanquais stands on the south bank of the Dordogne River and combines medieval fortifications with Renaissance architectural elements added over several construction phases. The buildings feature Gothic gateways, round towers, and elegantly detailed windows that reflect the different periods when the castle was modified.

Construction began in the 15th century as a fortified residence and continued over generations with modifications to integrate modern living standards. Owners adapted the structure to new tastes while keeping much of the original framework intact.

The castle reflects how local families adapted their homes from military strongholds to comfortable residences during the Renaissance period. Walking through the rooms shows how this shift in purpose changed the way spaces were designed and used.

The grounds are easy to explore on foot since buildings are arranged around a central area with pathways connecting them. The castle sits in a quiet village setting, so plan to spend time walking through the surrounding area as well.

The castle was never fully completed during its Renaissance renovation, allowing visitors to see both medieval and Renaissance styles side by side. This unfinished transformation makes it possible to compare the two architectural periods and trace how the building evolved.