Château d'Eck, Medieval castle in Cadaujac and Saint-Selve, France
Château d'Eck is a medieval fortress in the Cadaujac and Saint-Selve area with four towers and defensive walls as its main structure. The building blends original military features like arrow slits with Renaissance windows added over time, reflecting changes made during different periods.
The fortress was built in the late 12th century under the name Freytets and was seized by King Edward I of England in 1287. After this occupation, the property returned to French hands and gradually transformed into a private residence with economic purpose.
The castle carries the name of the Eck family, who shaped it through marriage in the 19th century and made wine production central to its identity. This connection between medieval roots and winemaking continues to define how the place is experienced today.
The location sits in a rural area between two villages and is best reached by car along local roads. Visitors should keep in mind that the surroundings are quiet and having your own transport makes access much easier.
The castle received Pope Clement V in 1302, then still known by his secular name Bertrand de Goth, during a stay there. This brief encounter with a future church leader added an unexpected moment to its long story.
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