Château de Clérans, Medieval castle in Cause-de-Clérans, France

Château de Clérans is a medieval fortification that features a tall keep, wall sections, and two towers, all in ruined condition. The site contains remains of former living quarters and medieval defensive structures that reveal the original layout of this fortress.

The castle changed hands repeatedly between English and French forces during the Hundred Years War. In 1378, French military leader Bertrand Du Guesclin captured it and secured it for France.

The castle's name comes from the village of Clérans, now part of Cause-de-Clérans, in the Périgord pourpre. The only building still roofed is the chapel, fitted out as housing, while the dwellings, two towers, châtelet and ramparts survive as ruins. The site is private property and opens to the public on European Heritage Days.

Access to the site is normally limited as it is private property, but it opens to visitors during European Heritage Days. It is best to check the exact dates of these special openings when planning a visit.

The round tower and keep visible today are what remain after the castle was quarried for stone in the 19th century, until a purchase in 1936 ended the practice. The keep alone was listed as a monument historique in 1948, the rest of the ruins following in 2007.