Chauvigny’s medieval citadel

On the Scandibérique between Châtellerault and Lussac-les-Châteaux, Chauvigny’s imposing medieval citadel dominating the lower town makes for a memorable cultural stop. No fewer than five châteaux once stood here side by side; now, the remnants of just three remain. At the end of the promontory, the Château des Evêques de Poitiers, a medieval bishops’ residence, once boasted two keeps; at the Revolution, locals exploited these for their stone, much diminishing them. Now transformed into an atmospheric amphitheatre, this place hosts entertaining falconry shows. 

Restored in the 1990s, the Gouzon Keep dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Today, its four storeys house a museum of industrial archaeology. The top level, 25 metres in height, affords excellent views over the collegiate church of St Peter’s and Chauvigny’s riverside quarter by the Vienne. The last of the remaining trio of castles, the Château d’Harcourt, takes its name from an illustrious Normandy family. Rebuilt in the 13th century for Jean II d'Harcourt, this is the best-preserved of Chauvigny’s châteaux. Several times a year, at the heart of the château, you can take part in an Escape Game – your family will be struck down with leprosy and has to find the cure!