Photo : Shonagon / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Château de Cherveux
The castle of Cherveux, in the Deux-Sèvres, is a fortress surrounded by water-filled moats, listed as a historic monument since 1929. Originally a simple motte recorded in 1100, it became a stronghold of the Lusignans, then passed through several families and was taken by the English in 1363.
Around 1470 Robert Cunningham, the Scottish captain of Louis XI's guard, rebuilt it largely in its present form. The plan is an irregular pentagon. The Flamboyant Gothic keep stands out for its decorative crenellations, carved machicolations and ornate dormer; two hexagonal stair turrets complete the façade. During the Wars of Religion the castle was a Protestant stronghold. Its moat was preserved during the Revolution because the villagers used it.
The private castle is lived in by its owners, who offer tours for the 2026 season: exterior, interior, wall walk and great halls. A former barracks has been converted into guest rooms.
