First mention of the castle 1124 (≈ 1124)
Castle quoted in medieval texts.
1242
Taken by Saint Louis
Taken by Saint Louis 1242 (≈ 1242)
Destruction during the conflict against Hugues X.
XVe et XVIe siècles
References in Acts
References in Acts XVe et XVIe siècles (≈ 1650)
Cited without proof of reconstruction.
13 juin 1991
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 13 juin 1991 (≈ 1991)
Official registration of remains.
début XXe siècle
Partial collapse
Partial collapse début XXe siècle (≈ 2004)
Deterioration of the upper part.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Guyenne tower (vestiges) (Case D 53): entry by order of 13 June 1991
Key figures
Saint Louis - King of France
Took the tower in 1242.
Hugues X de Lusignan - Count of the March
Ally of Henry III, opposing Saint Louis.
Origin and history
The tower of Guyenne, located in Beruges in the department of Vienna, is a fortified tower dating from the 12th century. It was part of a castle mentioned in 1124, part of the Montreuil-Bonnin castle. This monument, now partially in ruins, was probably used as a weapons depot rather than as a garrison. Its architecture includes a square tower extended by a triangular spur, originally framed by two round towers today collapsed.
In 1242, the tower was stormed by Saint Louis during his conflict with Hugues X de Lusignan, Count of the March, allied with Henry III of England. The building was destroyed on this occasion, although it was cited in sales acts in the 15th and 16th centuries without proof of reconstruction. The tower collapsed partially in the early 20th century. Today it consists of two levels: a vaulted ground floor in a broken cradle and a partially ruined floor, including an octagonal room in the spur.
The Guyenne Tower has been listed as historic monuments since 13 June 1991. It stands on a rocky spur overlooking the surrounding valleys, and its remains include murderers, a well, a cistern, and a staircase leading to the upper floors. Its present state reflects its turbulent history, marked by medieval conflicts and progressive degradation over the centuries.
