Château de Madic

Château de Madic is a castle situated on an elevated mound featuring four circular towers at the corners of a rectangular structure near the Dordogne valley. The walls measure over three meters (10 feet) thick with specialized openings designed for cannon placement.

The fortress was built between 1469 and 1480 under Gilbert de Chabannes, governor of Limousin, replacing an earlier 13th-century structure that had occupied the site. The new construction reflected Renaissance military requirements with enhanced defensive features.

The castle houses a collection of nine tapestries depicting the Nine Worthies, showcasing medieval French artistic craftsmanship that visitors can view today.

The site sits near the Dordogne valley, offering scenic access to the surrounding landscape and countryside. The elevated position requires some effort to climb, but rewards visitors with views from the upper grounds.

The site actually contains two distinct castles: the ruins of the medieval fortress and a 19th-century structure built lower down by the Espinasse family. These two buildings showcase completely different periods and construction styles that visitors can compare.

Location: Madic

GPS coordinates: 45.38280,2.45560

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:25