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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Piogé Castle, located in Availles-Thouarsais, New Aquitaine, is a fortress dating back to the 12th century. It was partially destroyed in 1207 by Philippe Auguste during the conquest of Poitou, before being rebuilt and modified in the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Its architecture reflects these transformations, with an initial 12th century dungeon probably rebuilt in the 14th century, surrounded by walls and flanked by towering corners.

The dungeon, built on a hillside, is reinforced by rectangular foothills and two round towers at the north angles. A vaulted room in the basement and traces of murals remain. In the east, a 13th-century chapel opens with an ogival door, while a house of the late 15th–early 16th century, renovated in the 18th and 20th centuries, gradually replaces the old dungeon. This house, framed by two flanking towers, illustrates the transition between defensive and residential functions.

Access to the castle is made by a 13th century ogival gate tower, preceded by an 18th century common courtyard and an entrance to the two round towers connected by a mâchicoulis door. A circular dovecote, located below the enclosure, completes the whole. The building, classified as Historical Monument in 1995, preserves a variety of architectural elements, witnesses to seven centuries of military and seigneurial history.

The location of the site, noted as satisfactory a priori (level 6/10), places the castle at 1 Rue du Château, 79600 Availles-Thouarsais, in the Deux-Sèvres department. Its rectangular plan, courtlines and successive developments make it a representative example of Poitevin fortresses, adapted to conflicts and residential needs throughout the ages.

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