Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Chenon Castle, located in the commune of Chenon in Charente, overlooks the river of the same name. Built in the 15th century, it belonged to the Dexmier family and depended on the Barony of Verteuil. The first document attesting its existence dates back to 1458, when Louis Dexmier paid tribute to Guy de la Rochefoucauld, seigneur of Verteuil. This castle illustrates the defensive and residential architecture of the late Middle Ages, with elements such as round towers and a spiral staircase.

Alexander Dexmier, a Protestant member of the family, was a companion of Henry IV, marking the political and religious commitment of the owners. The house remained in the Dexmier family until the middle of the 20th century, showing rare family continuity. The castle retains traces of reshuffles in the 17th century, especially in the building in return, where there are still maneuvring openings of medieval origin.

The architecture of the castle is distinguished by a body of houses flanked by two round towers: one, at the northwest corner, is abrased and seems to be before the 15th century, while the other, to the north, is topped by a pepper roof. A polygonal turret houses a screw staircase, and the windows are decorated with ribbed mullures. The Romanesque chapel of the castle, now the parish church, highlights its anchoring in local life. Listed as a historic monument in 1987, the castle today embodies a preserved medieval heritage.

External links