Château de Carles, Medieval castle in Saillans, France

Château de Carles stands in Saillans on the D 18E1 road north of the village. Its oldest part is the southern square tower, crowned with machicolations supporting a walkway; two large round towers with loopholes date from the same period on the north side. The sculpted north facade was added nearly a century later. The building has a pale gray and tan stone facade, a central wooden door under a carved stone surround, an oval window and inscription panel above, and round towers with conical roofs at each end.

The structure started rising during the Hundred Years War, with the southern square tower being the oldest part of the complex. Later centuries brought modifications that adapted the design to changing military needs and peacetime uses.

The castle served as a salon for artists and thinkers during the 1700s, hosting composers and philosophers who stayed as guests. This role as a gathering place for creative minds gave it a reputation that extended beyond its defensive purpose.

The castle is protected as a historical monument, with certain areas restricted from visitor access while others may be viewed from outside. Before visiting, check what sections are open and whether advance arrangements are needed for a proper tour.

Guillaume Chastenet de Castaing bought the estate in the late 19th century mainly for its vines; the castle was then no more than a barn. He restored two interior rooms with glazed earthenware tiles taken from houses being demolished in Tunisia and Morocco.