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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château de Villebois-Lavalette, located in Charente on the same name, overlooks a rocky spur on the historical border between Angoumois and Périgord. Its origin dates back to a strategic stronghold controlling the ancient path between Saintes and Périgueux. As early as the eighth century, the site was occupied by the Lords of Fulcher, then passed into the hands of the Hélie in 959. In the 12th century, the Ithiers of Villebois built a two-storey Romanesque chapel, while the Lusignan, Counts of Angoulême, strengthened the enclosure with seven semi-circular towers around 1226-1230. The fortress, fought during the Hundred Years War, was taken over by the Duke of Berry in 1376.

In the 16th century, the castle was partially destroyed during the Wars of Religion, before being besieged in 1590 by Jean-Louis de Nogaret de La Valette, Duke of Épernon, who hanged there eveneen leaguers. He became the owner in 1596, and in 1622 he built the fief in the Duchy-Payrie of Lavalette. The site even welcomed Louis XIII and Anne of Austria in 1615. In 1665, Philippe de Montaut-Bénac, Duke of Navailles, razed the old fortress to build a modern castle in U, only the west wing of which remained after the fire of 1822.

Archaeological excavations conducted between 2001 and 2007 revealed the remains of a primitive castral mound and a 34-metre-long Romanesque dungeon, exceptional in its size. The restored chapel preserves its structure on two levels: a vaulted crypt of the 12th century and a renovated upper part. Ranked a historic monument in 2005, the castle now combines medieval ruins — including a creneled rampart and flanking towers — with a 17th-century terrace, reflecting its successive transformations.

The property, acquired in 2000 by Norbert Fradin, has been continuously restored under the control of the DRAC. Excavation campaigns also revealed elements of the plantage fortifications (late 12th century) and defensive developments added by the Mareuils (15th century). The Friends of the Castle Association, founded in 1980, is actively involved in the preservation of the site, including through international volunteer projects.

The history of the castle reflects regional conflicts, from feudal rivalries between Angoulême and Périgord to religious confrontations of the sixteenth century. Its hybrid architecture — medieval enclosure and classical home — illustrates the evolution of the military and residential needs of the aristocracy. After serving as a revolutionary prison and barracks in the 19th century, the monument is today a major testimony of the Charentais heritage, open to the visit and partially restored.

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