Château de Rioux, Medieval castle in Rioux, France.
Chateau de Rioux is a fortified castle with a rectangular layout, surrounded by moats and thick defensive walls. It has two cylindrical towers on its front side, gun ports for defense, and a courtyard with residential spaces inside.
Construction started in the 12th century and the castle went through several changes and repairs over time. A significant renovation happened in 1619 when Georges Lemusnier worked on it, and modifications continued into the 18th century.
The castle shows how people lived here over several centuries and how they built their defenses. You can see today how the different parts work together, mixing practical military design with spaces meant for daily life.
You cross a permanent stone bridge with two arches to enter, which replaced the original drawbridge. Look for the details around you: one tower still has a walkway along its top, while another is topped with a pointed roof.
One of the towers features a pepper-pot roof, a pointed cone-shaped covering that sits atop like a hat and gives the fortress its distinctive profile. This type of roof design was common in certain regional defensive traditions and makes the structure instantly recognizable.
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