Château de Certeau, Medieval castle in Frontonas, France
Château de Certeau is a fortified residence in Frontonas featuring two contrasting towers of different designs and proportions. The northern tower rises four stories high with mullioned windows from the 15th century, while a circular tower connected by an internal spiral staircase forms another key element of the structure.
The residence began as a fortified stronghold in the 14th century under the authority of Antoine de Gumin, a local lord. In 1400, Jean Barge took ownership and introduced changes that would shape its later form.
The lords of Certeau established a chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine in the parish church of Frontonas, ensuring regular religious services.
The building remains in private hands and can be viewed from the exterior, allowing a good look at the towers and overall shape. Visit during daylight hours and maintain respectful distance due to the condition of certain walls and structures.
The spiral staircase inside the circular tower is reached only from within the building, so it is not visible from the road; the tower's curve and narrow openings are what a passer-by can pick out.
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