Château de Commarin, Medieval castle in Commarin, France

Château de Commarin is a classical-style castle whose central corps de logis with a curved pediment is flanked by a Louis XIII east wing and a Louis XIV west wing, each ending in a 14th-century round tower with a conical slate roof. A stable wing extends the east wing, and the whole is encircled by wide moats and a five-hectare English-style park. The entrance door is flanked by columns and topped by the Vienne eagle and the motto "Tout bien à Vienne".

First documented in 1214 as a fortified house, the castle underwent major reconstruction around 1346 under Jean and Jacques de Cortiamble, chamberlains to Duke Philip the Bold. This transformation reflected the family's prosperity and political connections, converting it into a residence of importance.

The heraldic tapestries from 1515 display the coats of arms of the Dinteville-Pontailler family and reflect the traditions of French nobility. These wall hangings tell the story of the family's connections and status in medieval society.

The château is open to visitors from April through November. Access is via a bridge of six arches across the moat, leading to the cour d'honneur; the gravel path from the entrance gate crosses the lawns. The 2004 clearing of trees around the building and the reconstructed formal gardens can be seen on the grounds.

The castle has passed through 26 generations of one family and was never sold; heiresses carried it by marriage through the Cortiambles, Dinteville, Vienne, Damas d'Antigny and de Vogüé lines. German troops occupied it during the Second World War but left its parquet floors and tapestries in place.