Château de La Tourrette

Encompassing a watchtower and fortified house, the impressive remains of the Château de La Tourrette demonstrate the evolution of French defensive structures from the 14th to the 16th centuries. 

Site History

The impressive remains of the Château de La Tourrette date from the 14th century. The site includes an échauguette (watchtower), as well as a rectangular maison forte (fortified house) that incorporates architectural elements from the 15th and 16th centuries. It sits on a high terrace with thick retaining walls and ramparts, in which arrowslits are still visible. The château played an important role during the Wars of Religion, when it served as a prison for Protestants.

The La Rivoire de La Tourrette family sold the château in 1817, and it was used as a quarry. Members of the same family repurchased it in 1848. The remains of the château, including its watchtower, are listed as a historic monument, together with the maison forte, which was restored between 1997 and 2002.

About the Project

The restoration concerns the spiral staircase in the watchtower, which requires restoration in order to be used. The tower was consolidated and elevated close to its original height in 2012–2013. The top of the tower was dismantled in the 19th century, resulting in water infiltration, which led to deterioration of the walls and staircase. Recent consolidation work was not aesthetically appropriate; this will be removed to give the tower its original appearance once the staircase has been restored.

Château de La Tourrette Today

Restoration of the château will protect and preserve it and add to the scenic beauty of this rather remote region, which attracts tourists due to its natural beauty and the harmony of its historic sites. The fortified house is set along a hiking path and accessible to hikers. The château is temporarily closed until necessary restoration work has been completed.