Château de Saveilles Visit to the exterior and chapel of Saveilles Castle

SAVEILLES CASTLE IN PAIZAY-NAUDOUIN, CHARENTE

Discover the Château de Saveilles, a historic site in Paizay-Naudouin, north of Charente, combining a medieval castle, Renaissance architecture, guided tours, fun trails, cultural events and tourist accommodation in a preserved rural environment.

General presentation of the site

The Château de Saveilles is located in the commune of Paizay-Naudouin, in the north of the Charente department, in a rural area at the crossroads of Charente, Charente-Maritime and Deux-Sèvres. Situated near the main roads connecting Angoulême, Poitiers and Niort, the site benefits from a location ideal for both tourist stays and day visits.

The architectural ensemble combines the characteristics of a fortified medieval castle and those of a Renaissance dwelling, offering a clear reading of several construction periods spanning the 14th, 16th and 19th centuries.

An architectural heritage marked by history

Saveilles Castle is surrounded by a water-filled moat and has a quadrangular plan organized around a central inner courtyard, in which there is an old well. Two fixed stone bridges, dating from the 19th century, replace the old defensive access devices (drawbridge and swing bridge).

Visitors can observe several characteristic elements of defensive architecture: a large tower, a prison tower, gun ports, loopholes, arrow slits, and machicolations. The presence of sculpted dormer windows, monumental chimneys, and mythological decorations also testifies to the site's evolution towards a residential function.

Despite the damage caused by periods of conflict and the French Revolution, the built heritage retains a remarkable coherence.

A continuous family transmission

The seigneury of Saveilles is documented as early as the 10th century, well before the construction of the current castle. The site has been passed down through unbroken family ownership since the 14th century, a rare occurrence in the history of French manor houses.

At the beginning of the 16th century, the La Rochefaton family built the main part of the current castle, which was then part of the Marquisate of Ruffec. Historical figures associated with the site include Marshals de Caumont La Force and de Turenne, in a context marked by the Protestant Reformation in Angoumois.

Tours, fun trails and cultural discoveries

Saveilles Castle is open for self-guided and guided tours, primarily during the summer season. Guided tours are conducted by the owner, providing an informative look at the history and architecture of the site.

Two fun tour routes are offered to families and young visitors: Pierre invites you and Investigation into the forgotten legend, promoting an educational discovery of heritage.

The park is also approved for hot air balloon launches, with flights organized in partnership with a Charente balloonist, combining technical preparation and aerial observation of the site.

Events, accommodation and group bookings

For several years, the Château de Saveilles has hosted cultural events, including the open-air opera Un soir d'été à Saveilles, organised at the beginning of August.

The estate also offers self-catering tourist accommodation, spread across several lodges located in the immediate vicinity of the castle and within the grounds. This accommodation is suitable for families, groups of friends, and participants in private or professional events.

Reception and meeting rooms are available for seminars, concerts, exhibitions or family gatherings, with suitable equipment and flexible capacity.

What to discover within 30 km of Saveilles Castle

Within a 30 km radius, the region offers numerous opportunities for hiking, countryside walks, and exploring Charente villages. The area around Ruffec, the Charente Valley, and nearby lakes offer opportunities for swimming, fishing, and canoeing.

Visitors can also discover Romanesque churches, castles, local markets, as well as local producers offering farm products, regional wines and Charente specialties, thus completing the discovery of the heritage and landscapes of northern Charente.