Château de la Bonnetière

Château de la Bonnetière is a medieval castle featuring defensive corner towers and stone buildings arranged around a central courtyard. Two pavilions were added later at the entrance towers to enhance the structure.

The castle was first built in the 13th century, then faced destruction when English forces burned it during an attack in 1350. The building was eventually reconstructed and modified over the following centuries.

The dovecote in the courtyard represents how medieval nobility managed their food sources and displays their wealth through such functional structures. Its presence shows the practical side of castle life that visitors can observe today.

The castle opens to visitors mainly during European Heritage Days when public access is arranged. At other times, it is best to contact local tourism or heritage authorities to confirm visiting possibilities.

The dovecote contains hundreds of original nesting compartments and retains its wooden rotating ladder, which once allowed a single caretaker to access all nests. This clever design reflects medieval ingenuity in managing large numbers of birds for food supply.