Château d'Authon

The Château d'Authon is a fortified castle in the Loire region with a distinctive 16th-century tower surrounded by water-filled moats fed by the Dandelot River. The estate includes an English garden and a French courtyard that complete the property.

The castle served as the seat of the Authon family from 1130 until their line ended in the 15th century and ownership changed. During the late 18th-century French Revolution, the building suffered significant damage from which it has since been partially restored.

The castle demonstrates how French noble families transformed their residences over centuries, moving from fortified strongholds to refined living spaces with decorative details. Visitors can trace this evolution through different sections of the building today.

The castle is open to visitors only during summer months, typically with guided tours at different times of day, so checking opening dates ahead is worthwhile. An antique vehicle collection and gardens are also on the grounds to explore as part of a visit.

The Tour de la Graveline tower dates to 1588 and ranks among the few original parts to survive multiple reconstructions and damage over the centuries. It stands as important evidence of the estate's earlier architectural form and draws visitor attention.