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Château de Sansac à Beaulieu-sur-Sonnette en Charente

Charente

Château de Sansac

    4 Sansac
    16450 Beaulieu-sur-Sonnette
Château de Sansac
Château de Sansac
Château de Sansac
Crédit photo : Jack ma - Sous licence Creative Commons

Timeline

Renaissance
Temps modernes
Révolution/Empire
XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
1500
1600
1700
1800
1900
2000
XVe siècle
Original central core
Milieu XVIe siècle
Expansion by Louis Prévost
XVIIe siècle
Structural changes
1793
Change of ownership
XIXe siècle
Hydraulic installations
8 avril 2025
Historical Monument
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui

Heritage classified

The old parts of the castle of Sansac, in full, as shown on the plan attached to the decree, as well as the soil capable of receiving archaeological remains, situated on plots No. 408, No. 409, appearing in the cadastre of the commune, Section C, as shown on the plan attached to the decree: inscription by order of 8 April 2025

Key figures

Louis Prévost - Companion of arms of François I Governor of Angoumois, decor sponsor
Famille Prévost de Sansac - Original owners (XIVe–XVIIe) Alliance in 1396, transmission of the domain
Famille Bardonin - Owners (mid-17th) Acquisition after Prevost
Famille Montaxier - Owners from 1793 Latest noble owners mentioned

Origin and history

The Château de Sansac, located in Beaulieu-sur-Sonnette in Charente, finds its origins in the 14th century with the eponymous family, allied in 1396 with the Prévost de Sansac, an influential Charente lineage. The central nucleus, dating back to the 15th century (slide in screws, hors-oeuvre tower), was enlarged in the 16th century under the impulse of Louis Prévost, a companion of arms of Francis I and governor of Angoumois. The latter enriches the house with round towers with peppers, windows with sills, and a Renaissance decoration, including sculptures and a painted ceiling (1543–1557) today partially preserved.

In the 17th century, the castle underwent major changes: the house body was lowered by a level, and a gallery in return was added. The Prevost de Sansac gave the estate to the Bardonin (mid-17th), then to the Montaxier (1793). The wing was truncated in the 19th century, but the site then built up a complex hydraulic system (digue, mill, basins) feeding the gardens on terraces. The interior, redesigned, preserves a ramp-on-rape staircase, 16th-17th century fireplaces, and a reception room decorated with murals (false marble, knights).

Ranked a Historical Monument in 2025 for its ancient parts and archaeological ground, the castle illustrates the architectural evolution of the Charente Renaissance. Its outbuildings, organized on two terraces, and its garden on the edge of Sonnette reflect a continuous noble occupation, marked by utility and aesthetic facilities. The quality of his decorations, sponsored by Louis Prévost, makes it a rare testimony of the influence of local elites under François I.

External links