Château de Lavardin, Medieval fortress in Lavardin, France.
The castle stretches across multiple levels on a rocky promontory, featuring a 26-meter-high keep that dominates the Loir Valley landscape.
Built in the 11th century by the lords of Lavardin, the castle became a principal fortress for the counts of Vendôme until its dismantling in 1590.
The ceremonial building contains vaulted ceilings decorated with the arms of the Bourbon-Vendôme family, representing medieval French aristocratic architecture.
The ruins include accessible sections such as the gatehouse, residential buildings, and fortified walls with cannon embrasures from different construction periods.
Five ancient cave systems beneath the castle date back to Gallo-Roman times, indicating continuous human occupation of the strategic site.
Location: Lavardin
Address: La Grand' Rue, 41800 Lavardin, France 41800 Lavardin
Phone: +33681861280
GPS coordinates: 47.74076,0.88317
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:45
The Centre-Val de Loire showcases a diverse heritage, from medieval fortresses like Château de Lavardin to Renaissance structures. The region features protected natural sites such as the Chérine Nature Reserve and the Domaine du Ciran, which host hundreds of bird species in their ponds and woodlands. The Savonnières Pétrifiantes Caves illustrate local geological phenomena, while the Briare Canal Bridge demonstrates 19th-century engineering. This selection also includes historical and cultural sites, from the Dunois Mill preserving 17th-century mechanisms to the Marcel Proust Museum housed in an authentic residence. The Picassiette House in Chartres exhibits Raymond Isidore's unique work over several decades. The Parc Floral de la Source and the Saint-Ours Collegiate complete this exploration combining Gothic religious architecture with themed gardens, providing diverse discoveries accessible to visitors.
The Perche region preserves an architectural heritage spanning from the Middle Ages to the classical period. Castles, churches, and abbeys in this Normandy area showcase the evolution of construction techniques and artistic styles from the 11th to the 18th century, influenced by Norman and Ligurian traditions. Medieval fortifications such as the Château de Bellême and Château de Senonches demonstrate the strategic role of this territory between the Duchy of Normandy and the kingdom of France. Religious buildings, including the Church of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei with its Romanesque murals and the Notre-Dame of Mont Harou with its fortified tower, reflect the importance of monastic and parish life. Lords’ residences like Château de Montimer and Château de Frazé offer insights into residential architecture in Perche. The Perche Museum in Bellême and the Royal Military College Museum in Thiron-Gardais complete this exploration with collections related to regional history and military heritage.
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