Château de Montbrun, Medieval castle in Dournazac, France
The Château de Montbrun is a stone fortress with four circular corner towers and a central keep called Le Grand Jacques. An artificial pond surrounds the entire structure for defensive purposes.
The castle was built in 1179 by Aymeric Bruni upon his return from the Second Crusade. It changed hands several times during the Hundred Years' War.
The castle reflects how French nobility lived, with residential spaces built directly alongside defensive structures. You can still see today how this dual purpose shaped the layout of the buildings.
The grounds are easiest to explore by following the marked paths around the castle that frame the pond. Wearing comfortable shoes is advised as the ground can be uneven or damp depending on the season.
The estate encompasses a large rural property that was offered for sale in 2023, showing that such significant historical buildings remain private residences today. This reveals how these places retain their role as living homes rather than becoming mere museums.
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