Castle of Castries, Historic castle in Castries, France
The Castle of Castries is a fortified residence with massive stone walls, multiple towers, and extensive formal gardens that spread across the entire grounds. The structure combines living quarters with defensive elements and houses various building sections that grew together over centuries.
The House of Castries took control of the estate in 1465, and Jacques de Castries commissioned the current structure beginning in 1645. This building phase shaped the castle's appearance, though it underwent various modifications afterward.
The gardens follow classical French design principles, with geometric patterns and carefully trimmed hedges that visitors can explore today. You see how people shaped nature according to precise plans to create order and beauty.
The grounds are open to visitors most days, with guided tours of the interior available. It is worth checking in advance since opening hours can vary by season.
An aqueduct built by Pierre-Paul Riquet supplies water to the gardens, merging engineering skill with landscape design. This system shows how water was technically controlled in earlier times to support the estate's artistic plans.
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