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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Chaban Castle, located in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère in the Black Perigord (Dordogne), occupies the site of an old fortress destroyed at the end of the 14th century. The current site retains medieval defensive elements, such as a 13th century round tower probably used as a chapel, as well as a square tower with niches modified in the 16th century. These vestiges illustrate the architectural evolution of the castle, marked by Renaissance additions such as sill windows and a 17th century door.

The castle has been protected as historical monuments since 1972, with an inscription covering its facades and roofs. His name inspired Jacques Chaban-Delmas, who in 1943 adopted the pseudonym "Chaban" after seeing a sign from the castle during a walk. The estate, privately owned, also belonged to Bernard Benson. The architectural descriptions mention a body of houses in return for square, a turret in corbellation, and defensive elements like braces.

The available sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum) highlight its role in the local heritage, with references to its integration into the lists of Dordogne castles and historical monuments of the Sarlat-la-Canéda district. The castle, although partially open (room rental or guest rooms not confirmed), remains a testimony of the architectural transformations between the Middle Ages and the modern era in Périgord.

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