Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Crazannes, located in Charente-Maritime, is one of the oldest in the region, with origins dating back to the fourteenth century. Its construction began on the foundations of a 11th century medieval fortress, of which the Romanesque chapel, the moats and the dungeon, remains today, vestige of the wall. Ranked a historic monument in 1913, it was among the first private castles to benefit from this protection, supplemented by three additional inscriptions in 1925, 1963 and 1988. Originally owned by the lords of Tonnay-Charente, the estate passed into the hands of influential families such as the Poussards, the Daillons and the Acarie, the latter residing there for more than 300 years and carrying out large expansions.

The north facade, dating from the beginning of the sixteenth century, is distinguished by its flamboyant stone sculptures, while a cylindrical tower with mâchicoulis, capped with a pepper pepper, reinforces its defensive character. The dovecote of the seventeenth century, with its five levels of bolts, bears witness to the extent of the estate at that time. The chapel, although Romanesque (11th century), was partially rebuilt in the 15th century. The castle welcomed notable figures, such as the Black Prince in the 14th century, François I in 1519, and would have inspired the Cat Botté by Charles Perrault, his owner being quoted in the tale.

At the time of the Revolution, the castle was praised by Bishop Pierre-Louis de La Rochefoucauld-Bayers, bishop of Saintes. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Chaudruc family undertook important restorations. The park, a pre-inventory of remarkable gardens, houses centuries-old trees and runs along the Charente. Open to the public all year round, the castle combines medieval history, Renaissance architecture and literary heritage.

The protected elements include the castle (except its southern part, downgraded in 1920), the dungeon, the chapel and the dovecote. The latter, of circular plan and surmounted by skylights, illustrates the economic importance of the estate in modern times. The modifications of the 20th century, especially on the dungeon, reflect the successive adaptations of the monument throughout the centuries.

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