Château de Bourdeau, Medieval castle in Bourdeau, France
Château de Bourdeau is a stone fortress positioned on a terrace at the base of Mont du Chat, overlooking Lake Bourget from an elevated position. Four corner turrets define the structure, and the building's location offers broad views across the surrounding landscape and alpine vineyards below.
Construction began in the 14th century as the administrative center of the local lordship and the structure has dominated the area since its completion. Major restoration work in the 19th century by architect Pellegrini transformed and preserved the building for later centuries.
The name comes from a medieval lordship that controlled the surrounding area, and this heritage remains visible in how the building is organized and presented. Visitors can sense the feudal structure through the layout of rooms and their original purposes.
The property includes a restaurant called Le Chat qui Nage where visitors can dine while taking in views of the vineyards and lake from above. The restaurant features a central fireplace that creates a warm setting for meals.
During the 16th century, weapons manufacturing took place inside the castle walls, a detail documented in writings by the philosopher Michel de Montaigne. This production activity reveals that the fortress served as both a residence and an active industrial site.
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