Towering above the town of La Rochefoucauld by the River Tardoire in the Charente, the Château de la Rochefoucauld is an impressive castle, with its original 11th century square keep flanked by Renaissance towers.

It is still the residence of the La Rochefoucauld family, one of the oldest noble families in France, and has been in almost continuous ownership since it was first built (during the Revolution, some members of the family were killed, while others fled to the United States).

Parts of La Rochefoucauld chateau are open to the public – there is no garden – and highlights include the beautiful 16th century staircase, highly ornate Renaissance detailing in the ceiling and windows, and the courtyard with its Italianate archways.

These as well as the kitchen, the dungeon and guard rooms can be seen without the need to take the guided tour. However, to see the salons, including a small room with painted wooden panelled walls and ceiling and the libraries with their antique maps and prints, you have to take the tour which is included in the ticket price.

The tours occur at regular intervals and English is spoken.

When buying your ticket you will receive a brochure, in English, giving the history of the castle and explaining its architectural features. Children will love the dressing up room where they – and their parents – can put on medieval costumes and pretend to be lords and ladies of the manor.

Address and Contact Information
Château de la Rochefoucauld
16 110 La Rochefoucauld

Tel: +33 5 45 62 07 42
E-mail: info@chateau-la-rochefoucauld.com
Website: www.chateau-la-rochefoucauld.com

Photo by Verity Cridland / CC BY 2.0 image cropped