Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Rioux is located in the north of the village of Rioux, in Charente-Maritime (New Aquitaine). This monument, whose origins date back to the 15th century, underwent major transformations in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is distinguished by its rectangular enclosure surrounded by ditches, its courtines equipped with cannon guns, and a house covered with flat tiles. A two-arched dormant bridge replaced the old drawbridge, and the facade was flanked by cylindrical and square towers, including one with a pepper roof.

The Barony of Rioux, originally owned by Didonne's family, was confiscated in 1302 and changed hands several times. In the 17th century, Georges Lemusnier, adviser to the king and treasurer general of France, undertook repairs in 1619 before transmitting the castle to the Guinot families, then Mirande in 1716. The Rémont, Ecochard, Delmas and Preys families then became owners. The castle is listed for historical monuments on October 5, 1965 for its facades, roofs, moats and bridge.

The architecture of the castle reflects its evolution: a body of houses flanked by towers, a lower courtyard preceding the house, and defensive elements such as cannon guns. The arms of the Beaumont family, owners until the 14th century, are still visible above the entrance door. The site, surrounded by ancient moats, preserves a terrace to the west and remains of its medieval defensive system.

The historical sources also mention the works carried out by Étienne Guinot de Monconseil and Henri de Mirande, which marked the evolution of the castle in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the monument remains a testimony to the architectural transformations and property changes that have rhythmized its history since the Middle Ages.

External links