Château de Boulogne

Château de Boulogne is a castle in Saint-Michel-de-Boulogne, France, featuring a Renaissance châtelet, a monumental terrace bridge spanning a 15-meter (49 ft) vault, and three round defense towers built during different periods. The layout combines early fortification designs with later additions in a single military structure.

The original structure dates to 1100, but it underwent major transformation in the 1300s when the Lestrange family acquired it from Louis II, Count of Poitiers-Valentinois. This takeover shaped the fortress into the form it retains today.

The castle hosts Château Pleine Lune festival in late July, bringing together performances, film screenings, and locally produced organic food. Visitors witness how the space becomes a gathering place that blends artistic expression with regional food traditions.

The site offers guided tours on Sundays, allowing visitors to climb the renovated Tower Casso and explore the medieval architectural elements throughout. Plan to spend enough time walking around the grounds to appreciate the full layout of the fortress.

The fortress sits within Parc Naturel Régional des Monts d'Ardèche and represents the largest medieval military structure in the Vivarais region. Its presence within this nature reserve combines historic importance with modern landscape protection.

Location: Saint-Michel-de-Boulogne

Inception: 11 century

GPS coordinates: 44.68990,4.43979

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:07