Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château d'Écoyeux, also known as the Château de Polignac, consists of two distinct parts: the 17th century "new castle" and the "old castle", now transformed into a town hall. This monument is linked to the family of Polignac, local lords since at least the sixteenth century. The 14th century polygonal tower, rare in its five-sided shape, and Renaissance remains testify to its architectural evolution throughout the centuries.

Built in the early seventeenth century by Louis de Polignac, as evidenced by construction contracts dated 1614, the new castle was never completed. Only half a body of houses was built, and the site remained uninhabited by its successive owners. In 1835, the son of the Baron d'Authon, who acquired the castle in 1804, did some work there, but it was only in 1952 that a new owner undertook his restoration. The castle has been listed as a Historic Monument since October 27, 1971.

The architecture of the castle combines medieval elements, such as the 14th century tower with reinforced edges, and Renaissance features, visible in the facade pierced with triangular front windows. The 16th century frame, with chevrons carrying firm, and the protruding staircase turret illustrate this duality. The garden, associated with the Princes of Polignac, is listed among the remarkable gardens.

The polygonal tower, covered with a high slate roof, is a rare example of this type of construction. The two-level house body maintains intermediate carpentry between the medieval snout windows and the classic cross-sections. These details reflect the stylistic transitions between the Middle Ages and the modern era, typical of the monuments of Charente-Maritime.

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