Château de Carles, Medieval castle in Saillans, France
Château de Carles is a fortified structure in Saillans with round and square towers connected by crenelated walls on multiple sides. The layout shows how different sections were added over time, creating a complex defensive arrangement that follows the slope of the terrain.
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.
The castle's central hall contains ceramic tiles from demolished Tunisian buildings that were installed during a 19th-century restoration. This unusual combination brings North African craftsmanship into the heart of a French medieval fortress in a surprising way.
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