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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château de Chaux, located in Chevanceaux in Charente-Maritime, has its origins in the 10th century under the domination of the Counts of Angoulême. In 1030, Count Geoffroi Taillefer donated it, before the seigneury passed into the hands of the Sainte-Maure de Montausier in the 14th century. This family, originally from Touraine and established in Saintonge, retained the estate until the 18th century, forming with Montausier an Angouman enclave called Petit Angoumois.

In the 17th century, the castle was acquired by a member of the Lomé family, then by François de Jussac d'Ambleville. In 1636 he undertook a major transformation of the castle, entrusted to the saintly architect Jean Caillabet. After the execution of François de Jussac for his participation in the siege of La Rochelle alongside the Duke of Épernon, the estate returned to his sister, a Sainte-Maure. The castle then knew various owners from 1768, with notable architectural changes in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The 17th century building is characterized by a square plan, an inner courtyard accessible by a poterne surmounted by a square tower, and four circular towers. Defensive elements such as grooves of an old drawbridge and moat remain. The chapel, located in the west wing, has rib arches, while the chimneys reflect Louis XIII and Empire styles. In the 19th century, the Marquis de Lestrange developed a vineyard and built farm buildings. During World War II, furniture and the East Tower were destroyed by the Germans.

Ranked a historic monument in 1969 for its facades and roofs, the Château de Chaux embodies an architectural heritage marked by medieval, Renaissance and classical influences. Its history reflects the political and social upheavals of the Saintonge, between local lords, architectural transformations and tragic events such as world conflicts.

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