Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers, Gothic Revival castle in Les Trois-Moutiers, France
Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers is a Gothic Revival castle built on an island surrounded by a water-filled moat, featuring two symmetrical towers at its core. The structure combines medieval fortifications with 19th-century architectural embellishments that define its current form.
The original fortification dates to the early 13th century and served the Bauçay family as a defensive stronghold. It changed hands repeatedly between French and English forces during the Hundred Years War, reflecting its importance as a strategic location.
The estate reflects the 19th-century Romantic movement through its architectural style and the way the grounds blend structure with nature. Visitors can sense how artistic and intellectual circles once gathered here and shaped the character of this place.
The castle is open to visitors from April through October, with guided tours offered particularly during summer months. Access to the island requires crossing via a pathway, so sturdy footwear is advisable as the ground can be uneven.
In 2017, an international crowdfunding campaign rescued the castle from deterioration, transforming over 27,000 people from more than 100 countries into co-owners. This unprecedented effort made it one of the few European monuments collectively preserved by a global community.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
