Château Saint-Germain, Medieval castle in Gaugeac, France.
Château Saint-Germain is a fortified castle in Gaugeac with two round towers set on a hilltop overlooking the Dropt valley. The buildings still contain hexagonal tower sections and large fireplaces that reveal the scale of medieval living.
This fortress was built in the 15th century as an outpost of Château de Biron to control traffic through the wooded plateaus. It formed part of a wider defense strategy for securing the region's borders and trade routes.
The castle was tied to nearby Biron through feudal traditions, where its lord held ceremonial duties during important local events. This connection reflects the social structure of medieval life in the region.
You can walk around the castle grounds and enjoy views across the valley from the hilltop location. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven and the slope is quite steep.
Modifications to the towers were made in the 18th century after the castellan claimed he could see his feudal superior from the top. This odd justification for building work reveals the ambitions of local nobility.
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