Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Chanet, located in Mareuil in Périgord (Nouvelle-Aquitaine), has its origins at the end of the 15th century or at the beginning of the 16th century, with the construction of a first house north flanked by a staircase tower. This initial building marks the starting point of a home that will evolve significantly over the centuries, reflecting the architectural transformations and defensive needs of the era.

In the second half of the 16th century or at the beginning of the 17th century, the castle underwent extensive expansion: digging of ditches, erection of a square tower with mâchicoulis, construction of a second house (south wing), and building development is closing access. A garden is also organised in the east, while a pavilion now connects the north house to the tower. These modifications give the castle a more imposing and functional structure, typical of the seigneurial residences of the Renaissance.

A last major addition comes with the construction of the east wing, crowned with a chapel with painted decorations, thus completing the architectural ensemble. However, the site suffered extensive destruction after 1824, partially altering its heritage. Despite these losses, the castle — including house, commons, courtyards, gardens, terraces and archaeological remains (sinks, cluses, silos) — has been listed as a Historic Monument since 2009, reflecting its heritage importance.

Today, the castle of Chanet is a private property, whose precise location (13 Cht de Chanet, Vieux-Mareuil) and conservation (noted 8/10 for accuracy) make it a remarkable site of the Dordogne. Its history, marked by ambitious construction phases and successive adaptations, illustrates the evolution of perigordin castles between the Middle Ages and the modern era.

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