Château de Talmont, Medieval fortress in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, France.
The stone castle rises on a rocky outcrop between two rivers, featuring thick defensive walls and a central tower with three large windows.
Built around 1020 by William the Bald after receiving coastal territory from William V, Duke of Aquitaine, to protect against Norman invasions.
The fortress played a central role in maritime trade, as it controlled the largest port between Nantes and Bordeaux during medieval times.
The castle remains open to visitors throughout the year, offering guided tours and educational programs about medieval architecture and defense systems.
During high tide in medieval times, seawater completely surrounded the castle twice daily, though today the ocean lies 6 kilometers south.
Location: Talmont-Saint-Hilaire
Address: 8 Rue du Château, 85440 Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, France
Phone: +33251902743
GPS coordinates: 46.46760,-1.61920
Latest update: October 22, 2025 11:53
The Pays de la Loire region is full of lesser-known sites revealing the history and diversity of this western France region. Beyond the typical tourist routes, these sites provide an authentic insight into local heritage, craft traditions, and preserved natural landscapes. Among these destinations are castles like Brissac, the tallest in France, and the fortress of Tiffauges, associated with medieval legends. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Gallery of the Apocalypse Tapestry in Angers, a 14th-century textile work, or the Fontevraud Abbey, a remarkable monastic complex. Curious visitors will also find unusual sites such as the Passage du Gois, a tidal road connecting Noirmoutier Island to the mainland depending on the tide, and the Epinay Mill, still operational today. This selection also includes specialized botanical gardens, such as Camifolia in Chemillé, thematic museums dedicated to Jules Verne or early 20th-century rural life, as well as vineyards and manors surrounded by gardens. These locations, often frequented by locals, offer a different perspective for exploring the Pays de la Loire.
List of natural, cultural, and historical sites in Vendée, including the Noirmoutier and Yeu islands, Puy du Fou, medieval castles, marshes, museums, beaches, and nature reserves. The department offers a variety of heritage between the Atlantic coast, farmland, and marshlands, with historical monuments from the Middle Ages to contemporary times.
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