Castle of Lassay

The Castle of Lassay is a fortress in western France built with eight circular towers joined by tall walls that enclose a central courtyard. The structure includes a drawbridge, an outer defensive work, and was constructed from local shale and granite stone.

A 12th-century castle once stood on this site before French forces destroyed it, leading Jean II to receive permission from King Charles VII to rebuild in 1458. The present structure was completed between 1497 and 1498 and has remained largely unchanged since then.

The castle embodies military purpose through its design, where every tower and wall served a defensive function that shaped how people lived in the surrounding region. Walking through the grounds today, one can sense how such fortifications dominated the landscape and influenced daily routines.

Guided tours are available during the warmer months, making spring through early fall the best time to visit and explore the grounds comfortably. During winter, some areas may be less accessible and visitor services are limited.

The fortress was built from local shale and granite in combination, giving its walls a distinctive patterned appearance that was typical of the region's building practices. This material choice has allowed the stone surfaces to age naturally, creating visual variations that reveal the passage of time across the structure.

Location: Lassay-les-Châteaux

Inception: 1458

GPS coordinates: 48.43890,-0.50000

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40