Château de Rastignac

The Château de Rastignac is a neoclassical château in La Bachellerie with a distinctive semi-circular Ionic portico and grand staircases approaching the entrance vestibule. The limestone structure shows refined proportions and symmetrical facades characteristic of the neoclassical style.

The building was constructed between 1811 and 1817, then suffered devastation in 1944 when German forces set it ablaze with phosphorus for five days. This attack destroyed significant portions and marked a turning point in the structure's later history.

The château blends Louis XVI design elements with Roman forms, which you can see in the rotunda and colonnades throughout the building. This mix shaped how the space looks and reflects how contemporary French architects drew from European influences.

The château is not fully open to visitors today, as it has been divided into residential apartments and partially operates as an art jewelry workshop space. The exterior architecture can be appreciated from the surrounding grounds and approach area.

The building resembles the White House in Washington, possibly because Thomas Jefferson may have seen the architectural plans in 1789. This design parallel shows how French and American neoclassical architecture were connected during that era.

Location: La Bachellerie

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

GPS coordinates: 45.14861,1.13917

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:22