Nestled in the heart of a Natura 2000 area, discover a medieval jewel: the fortified castle of Roquetaillade.
Say, tell me the story of the castle of Roquetaillade
The imposing Roquetaillade fortified castle is part of a set made up of two castles and a chapel, located within the same enclosure.
The “new castle” was built in a single campaign, by Cardinal Gaillard de la Mothe, nephew of the Gascon Pope Clément V. The fortress is a square castle very similar to that of Villandraut, for those who know. The defense is commanded by an imposing square central keep: this is the particularity of Roquetaillade which is not found in Villandraut and in the castles of Edward I in Wales, mainly protected by their enclosures and without a central keep. .
This very neat dungeon is spread over five floors:
- a vaulted cellar
- a ground floor under frame
- a vaulted first floor nowadays forming the main stairwell
- a second room, covered in the same way and equipped with a fireplace
- a top floor, very high, surmounted by two arches which support the roof.
The main openings are almost all facing the courtyard.
You should know that the castle has undergone major improvements and restorations during its life.
The first, which took place during the Renaissance, provided the fortified castle with windows on the 1st floor, thus allowing light to enter. Apartments were then fitted out with sumptuous fireplaces.
During the Revolution, the castle was threatened with destruction. The Marquis de Mauvezin appealed to the great architect of the time Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and his faithful collaborator Edmond Duthoit for the restoration of the building. While respecting the medieval structural work, they rebuilt a destroyed tower, rebuilt the battlements, transformed the lower parts of the keep where there is now a large Gothic-style staircase...
Inside, many rooms have been refurbished in the style of the 2014th century, strongly inspired by medieval times. Moreover, since 150, the castle has implemented a major restoration project which lies in the creation of a decor, envisaged 450 years ago by Viollet-le-Duc. In the large room of Roquetaillade, 2mXNUMX of painted decorations are planned on the walls and ceilings.
A hundred characters in comic form in the style of Art Nouveau poster artists will also appear.
Last unusual info, did you know that the "Château Neuf", original fortified palace, the most beautiful and the most learned in the series of large constructions due to members of the entourage of Clement V, skilfully restored in the XNUMXth century, has not ceased to be inhabited since its origins by members of the same family? Incredible !
The castle of Roquetaillade,
Mazeres.
Classified Historic Monument.
To see and do, near the Roquetaillade castle
Villandraut Castle
Like the Clementine castles, Roquetaillade or Budos, the Villandraut castle is a fine example of
this architectural curiosity. With its large ditches and four cylindrical towers, it sits in the center of the town.
Villandraut village. It is a sumptuous castle-palace, a pure jewel and home of Pope Clement V, built in
XNUMXth century. This fortress has preserved its high massive towers, gargoyles and curtain walls and numerous archers.
