Château de Bagneux, Medieval castle in Bournan, France.
Bagneux Castle is a fortified residence with a square base and four corner towers, of which two retain their original conical slate roofs and defensive machicolations. The structure displays massive stone walls and defensive features characteristic of a medieval stronghold.
The site was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, with the estate initially called Baniolus in 816 and later renamed Baigneux and then Bagneux de Bournan. These name changes reflect the site's long occupation and regional significance.
The mullioned windows in the towers show how the fortress evolved into a noble residence. These architectural details remain visible reminders of how the building's purpose changed over time.
The site is listed as a historical monument since 1927 and remains private property, which means views from outside are available but internal access may be restricted. It sits in the Indre-et-Loire region and is easily spotted given its prominence in the surrounding landscape.
The north tower was used for fire signal communication with neighboring fortresses such as Loches Castle and Tour de Galles. This shows how the site was part of a larger regional defense network connected through signals.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.