Château de Chalais

The seigneury of Chalais, in the Charente, has been recorded since the 11th century as a possession of the Talleyrand-Périgord family. In 1883 the family bequeathed the château to the town hospice. The château stands on a rocky spur between the Tude and the Viveronne, overlooking the town.

The north wing with the entrance gatehouse was rebuilt at the end of the 19th century. The U-shaped main building at the back of the courtyard dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. A large square tower of the late 16th century stands south-west of the east wing; like the rest of the building, it received mansard roofs rebuilt in the 18th century. The drawbridge still works.

Although emptied of its furniture, the interior has kept its fireplaces, panelling, painted overdoors, alcoves and beamed ceilings, some with traces of painted decoration. The whole château is protected, including its interior décor. The visit covers the château, the cloister and the church.

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