Château des Rois ducs, Historical monument in Sauveterre-la-Lémance, France.
Château des Rois ducs sits on a rocky hilltop between the Lémance and Sendroux valleys, built with thick limestone walls and defensive towers. From this elevated position, the fortress overlooks the surrounding terrain on all sides.
King Edward I of England ordered this fortress built in the late 13th century to control the route between Périgord and Agenais regions. The English construction shaped the castle's role during medieval power struggles in southwestern France.
The castle reflects how local rulers used this position to command the surrounding valleys and mark territorial boundaries. Its design shows the importance of controlling this particular landscape during medieval times.
Access to the castle varies by season and restoration work, so check opening hours before your visit. The rocky hilltop location means the approach involves uneven ground and steep paths.
French aviator Jean Mermoz discovered the castle from the air and bought it in 1936. Just months later, he disappeared during a flight over the South Atlantic.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
