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Chateau
Sigournais
Tel 02 51 40 40 71
Sud
Vendee.. Haut
Bocage.. Coastal
Region.. Marais
Poitevin.. Marais
Breton.. Bas Bocage.. Plaine.. Marais
Olonne..
The 15th
Century feudal castle at Sigournais on the border between the Haut and Bas
Bocage is one of the finest listed historic monuments in the area. It features a
multi-sided enclosure with seven towers, a dry moat and a splendid keep.There is
an excellent model of the chateau in the guards room.
This keep is unique in the Vendee by virtue of the herringbone formation of its structural timbers, its machicolated parapets and its characteristic loopholes for archers and muskets.
In the large rooms of the keep visitors will find;The banqueting hall and court and though the upper floor and ceiling have still to be renovated, as the two massif beams and support timbers are missing, you can appreciate the atmosphere this room would have had in medieval times. A reconstruction of a 15th century lord's bed chamber ( bed, table, writing desk,chandelier) and children's room, these are typical of a 15th century lords accommodation and there is even an en-suite toilet with a "His & Hers" thunderbox and a note on the equivalent of medieval toilet paper.
As you climb the helical (spiral staircase) which has been lovingly remade in the original Perigord stone, you will note that they (63 steps)are of differing heights and widths, this was to make it more difficult to men in heavy armour to climb. These stairs lead to the Coveret Parapet which completed rings the keep, built out on corbels so that the defenders can throw stones through the machicolation (spaces in the floor) at attackers below. It also offers a 360 panoramic view of the village and the countryside for miles around. There are two smaller stair cases that lead to the two watch towers.
Heraldry.
A collection of sculpted coats of arms of the French provinces.
A unique display of the coats of arms of the towns of the Vendee,French regions and all the countries in Europe. There are explanations on the development of heraldry from the 11th century
There are also a fun learning competition.
In the Guards room;
Three centuries of Anglo-French rivalry in western France
(1154 - 1453)
In the second guards room is an exhibition on "The middle-ages Vineyard". And notes on the ancient "folle" wine which is still produced by the chateau which can be bought at the entrance desk.
Evening visit with Medieval Snacks for 2010
July 22nd and August 5-12-19 & 26th. for info Tel. 02 51 09 45 77
This really is medieval chateau worth a visit, you are not bombarded by knights on horseback or any other gimmick, it is simply authentic, unique and interesting.
Photos of the Chateau Sigournais
Open: 28/6 to 19/9 everyday 14.30h till 18.30
Tariff: Adult 4.50€ Youth (12-17 years) 3.00€ free under 12years
Return to find more Chateaux and Churches in the Vendee
This keep is unique in the Vendee by virtue of the herringbone formation of its structural timbers, its machicolated parapets and its characteristic loopholes for archers and muskets.
In the large rooms of the keep visitors will find;The banqueting hall and court and though the upper floor and ceiling have still to be renovated, as the two massif beams and support timbers are missing, you can appreciate the atmosphere this room would have had in medieval times. A reconstruction of a 15th century lord's bed chamber ( bed, table, writing desk,chandelier) and children's room, these are typical of a 15th century lords accommodation and there is even an en-suite toilet with a "His & Hers" thunderbox and a note on the equivalent of medieval toilet paper.
As you climb the helical (spiral staircase) which has been lovingly remade in the original Perigord stone, you will note that they (63 steps)are of differing heights and widths, this was to make it more difficult to men in heavy armour to climb. These stairs lead to the Coveret Parapet which completed rings the keep, built out on corbels so that the defenders can throw stones through the machicolation (spaces in the floor) at attackers below. It also offers a 360 panoramic view of the village and the countryside for miles around. There are two smaller stair cases that lead to the two watch towers.
Heraldry.
A collection of sculpted coats of arms of the French provinces.
A unique display of the coats of arms of the towns of the Vendee,French regions and all the countries in Europe. There are explanations on the development of heraldry from the 11th century
There are also a fun learning competition.
In the Guards room;
Three centuries of Anglo-French rivalry in western France
(1154 - 1453)
In the second guards room is an exhibition on "The middle-ages Vineyard". And notes on the ancient "folle" wine which is still produced by the chateau which can be bought at the entrance desk.
Evening visit with Medieval Snacks for 2010
July 22nd and August 5-12-19 & 26th. for info Tel. 02 51 09 45 77
This really is medieval chateau worth a visit, you are not bombarded by knights on horseback or any other gimmick, it is simply authentic, unique and interesting.
Photos of the Chateau Sigournais
Open: 28/6 to 19/9 everyday 14.30h till 18.30
Tariff: Adult 4.50€ Youth (12-17 years) 3.00€ free under 12years
Return to find more Chateaux and Churches in the Vendee
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© Copyright Vendee-Guide.co.uk 2009-10
© Copyright Vendee-Guide.co.uk 2009-10
