Château d'Ardelay

Château d'Ardelay is a castle in Les Herbiers featuring 15th-century defensive structures including a square keep and machicolations overlooking the inner courtyard. Access leads through a spiral staircase connecting multiple levels and rooms that are open during exhibition hours.

A wooden fortress once stood on a feudal mound at this location before being replaced by a stone structure during the 11th century. This reconstruction marked the beginning of the castle as it exists today and set the stage for its later defensive improvements.

The castle hosts rotating exhibitions in its main residence, which features granite fireplaces typical of the region. These architectural details reflect local craftsmanship and building traditions that shaped the area over time.

A spiral staircase provides access to multiple levels where visitors can explore various rooms throughout the structure. During exhibition hours, visitors have open access to move through the different areas at their own pace.

The castle still bears visible marks from its occupation during World War II, when soldiers removed certain wooden beams to use as firewood. These traces in the structure quietly remind visitors of the time when the building was under foreign control.