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Origin and history

The castle of Savenes came into being in the 13th century as a strong house frequently attacked, especially during the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453). At that time it served as a refuge and centre for the local seigneury, around which the village of Savenes was rebuilt after the destruction of its church. Partially destroyed during the conflicts, it was restored in the seventeenth century, becoming a symbol of seigneurial power in an area marked by religious and military tensions.

In 1612 Henry IV transferred the seigneury of Savenes to Marguerite de Navarre, marking a transition to a period of relative stability. The present castle was rebuilt in 1660 by Vital de Pezan, replacing the old strong house with a larger house, organized around a rectangular building flanked by square towers. The moats, still visible to the west and south, recall its defensive origin, while the interior preserves remarkable elements such as 17th century painted ceilings and a 19th century panoramic wallpaper illustrating the History of Telemaque.

In the 18th century, the castle passed into the hands of the Barry family (in 1745), then was acquired by Paul Majorel, a wine trader, who made it a wine estate. Today, the castle, protected as historical monuments since 1988 and 1992 for its facades, moats and interior decorations, is a place of reception. Its architecture combines medieval heritage and transformations of the 17th and 19th centuries, reflecting the social and economic developments of the region.

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