Champtoce sur Loire
The castle is thought to
have been built in the thirteenth century as an enclosure
castle. Gilles de Rais (d.1436) was born and brought up here
and it was heavily upgraded during his time. The several gun
ports it sports probably dates from this time.
Description
The polygonal enclosure has a twin towered gatehouse to the north and
six D shaped towers on the more vulnerable W&S sides.
To the NE were all the accommodation blocks, beneath which
are cellars leading down to a
postern to the nearby lake. Allegedly Gilles carried out his
nefarious deeds in these dark basements. He also owned Tiffauges castle.
Why
not join me here and at other French castles? Information
on this and other tours can be found at Scholarly
Sojourns.
Copyright©2019
Paul Martin Remfry
