Château de Montignac, Medieval keep in Montignac-Charente, France.
Château de Montignac is a medieval keep with round towers rising from a rocky promontory that overlooks the Charente Valley below. The structure dominates the landscape with its solid form, displaying the defensive design typical of 12th-century military architecture.
Built in 1140, the keep came under Lusignan family control in 1220 and remained with them until the French Revolution disrupted local power structures. The La Rochefoucauld family later became prominent owners, guiding its fate through the following centuries.
Stones from the demolished Saint-Étienne Priory were repurposed in the keep's restoration, linking the site to the region's architectural past and showing how communities reused materials across generations.
The main tower and ramparts are currently closed for restoration work scheduled until June 2025. Check ahead with local tourism offices about site access before planning your visit.
An underground passage runs beneath the keep, revealing the sophistication of medieval defensive engineering. Such tunnels served multiple strategic purposes and were common features in castles of this era.
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