Best castles around Triac-Lautrait are found in the Charente region of France, offering a blend of historical architecture and natural settings. The area is characterized by its river valleys and rolling landscapes. Triac-Lautrait itself is home to the Château de Triac, a classical-style edifice with a rich history of rebuilding and preservation. The region provides a setting for exploring historical landmarks amidst the French countryside.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
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The Giraud d'Anqueville, lords of Bois-Charente, built the castle in the 16th century. The main building has a 16th century tower and extensions dating from the 19th century. In 1680, the castle passed through marriage to François Goulard, lord of La Faye, and it became the property of Jean Thioulet, gentleman of the king, at the beginning of the 18th century. Bois-Charente belonged in 1900, at the beginning of the 20th century, to Jean Fougerat known as Élie, a wealthy owner and benefactor for the development of the Cognac vineyard. The Charente pharmacist and winegrower Jean Fougerat (1863-1932) made a fortune by exploiting several pharmaceutical specialties, in particular the famous Rami syrup to treat the bronchi. This bachelor amassed a "considerable fortune", part of his income came from the exploitation of large vineyards that he had acquired around Graves-Saint-amant, his native land. Indeed, after the phylloxera, in 1897, he replanted 350 hectares of vines on his land acquired in the communes of Graves (logis de Bois Charente), Champmillon (domaine de la Chapelle), Saint-Preuil, in 1897 and Lignières-Sonneville between 1898 and 1901. In 1906, he harvested 22,000 hl of wine and produced 3,000 hl of brandy. He developed the logis de Bois Charente and enlarged its park. He planted more than 500 different species there. He set up a wine station where, with his colleagues, he prepared future plantations and improved the distillation processes. In the absence of immediate outlets, he distilled and aged the eau-de-vie and built numerous ageing cellars in Champmillon, Saint-Preuil and Bourg-Charente. When he died, Fougerat donated his estate and his Bois-Charente manor to the city of Angoulême, the universal legatee. She set up an "Institut de la viticulture charentaise" there (soon renamed the "Bureau interprofessionnel du cognac" and repatriated to Cognac in the 1980s). The Manor was active until the early 1980s, then between 2003 and 2016 it became an educational center for young people in judicial protection. The educational support was based on a high-end application restaurant, with the preparation of CAP and BEP certificates as a key. In his will, Jean Fougerat also had an imposing monument erected in Bois-Charente to the glory of Charente viticulture and cognac. Created by the sculptors R. Lamour de dieu and Émile Peyronnet, the work represents "six figures engaged in viticultural work, in bronze bas-relief; a distillery is engraved in marble". Jean Fougerat gave his name to a street in Angoulême and to his foundation, based in Graves-Saint-Amant. The latter supported the Institute of Viticultural Research in 1936, then currently supports the educational center with the CCAS.
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Bourg-Charente castle is a 17th century mansion. Nestled on a rocky promontory, it is located a few kilometers from Cognac. It also houses the remains of a medieval fortress. Acquired in the 20th century, this château houses cellars for producing Grand Marnier. It can be visited from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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The ruins of Bouteville Castle were built around the year 1000 on the site of a Roman villa.
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The ruins of Bouteville Castle were built around the year 1000 on the site of a Roman villa.
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It is in this castle that the cognac cellars of the Marnier-Lapostolle family are located, used for the production of Grand Marnier cognac.
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In 1655, Pierre Laisné, Sieur du Chardonneaux acquired the land of Gondeville from the heirs of Samuel de Lanauve. He made great efforts to have Gondeville erected into a parish, which led to many disputes with Jean de Culant, lord of Saint-Même who had a pew in the church while the lord of Gondeville did not. had not. The construction of the church in Gondeville is due to his son-in-law, Isaac Laisné de Nanclas, whose name was given to the main street. Isaac Laisné de Nanclas had a brilliant military career; First becoming lieutenant-colonel of the Sainte-Maure regiment, he was appointed, in 1690, brigadier of the king's armies. He distinguished himself in numerous campaigns and died on October 30, 1704, after having obtained the title of lieutenant-general; he was buried in the church of Gondeville. His son, Philippe Laisné de Nanclas, having died childless, left his property to his nephew, Louis Saulnier, de Pierre Levée. The Saulnier family kept Gondeville until the end of the 18th century. At the beginning of the 18th century, Philippe Laisné de Nanclas built the new castle, all the buildings surrounded a long rectangular courtyard. The castle occupies the east side. On the west side, rose a circular leak. The wrought iron entrance gate to the courtyard is surmounted by a wrought iron impost, bearing an escutcheon with the arms of the Saulnier de la Pierre Levée and Laisné de Nanclas families, flanked by two lions and surmounted by a crown. . On the cadastre of 1849, the various buildings are arranged around a large rectangular courtyard, there remains only the house to the east, part of the outbuildings to the north, a well and the gate to the south. It should be noted that the stones which would have been used to build the current castle would come from the first fortified castle which would have been built in the 10th century on an island in the Charente to block the road to the Vikings who went up the Charente. It would have been destroyed during the Hundred Years War, but still existed in the 17th century. The two remaining wings became the town hall in 1947. .
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In 1262, the land of Bourg already belonged to the Ollivier family. In 1363, Sir Ollivier, Baron de Bourg, paid homage to the Prince of Wales, the remarriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine having made the castle of Bourg-Charente an English possession. It then passed to the Bragier, Gouffier, Pons de Pons families, to the Count of Miossens (lord of Pons and governor of Guyenne). The current castle was built by Pons de Pons, to replace the fortified castle destroyed by Marshal de Sancerre while trying to take it back from the English. A Le Camus de Neville was the last lord. In 1921, it was bought by the Marnier-Lapostolle family to set up its cognac cellars there, necessary for the production of Grand Marnier. Since 2012, there are also stills used for the distillation of bitter oranges used in the recipe for Grand Marnier liqueurs.
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The castles in the Triac-Lautrait area showcase a range of historical periods. You can find medieval ruins, such as the Château de Bouteville which was built around the year 1000, 17th-century mansions like Bourg-Charente Castle, and even Neo-Gothic structures like Gademoulin Castle in Gensac-la-Pallue from the 19th century. The Château de Triac itself has a history of rebuilding, with its current classical style reflecting an 18th-century design.
Yes, Bourg-Charente Castle is notable for housing the cognac cellars of the Marnier-Lapostolle family, used for the production of Grand Marnier. The Château de Triac also serves as a reception site and is associated with the 'Tiffon' cognac brand, with brandies aged in its cellars.
The Château de Bouteville, though in ruins, is an imposing castle that dominates the Charente valley, offering spectacular views. For the best perspective, approach it from the D 152 towards Malaville.
Visiting policies vary by castle. For instance, Bourg-Charente Castle can be visited from Monday to Friday, as it houses cognac cellars. The Château de Triac typically offers interior visits by appointment, but its exteriors, lush gardens, and manicured lawns provide a pleasant experience for photography and leisurely walks. Gademoulin Castle now houses luxury accommodation, so interior access may be limited to guests.
While specific family activities vary, castles like Bourg-Charente Castle, with its historical significance and connection to Grand Marnier production, can be interesting for families. Exploring the exteriors and grounds of the Château de Triac also offers a pleasant outdoor experience for all ages.
The region around Triac-Lautrait is excellent for outdoor activities, especially cycling. You can find various routes, such as the 'Along the Charente River – Vinade-Bassac bridge loop' or the 'Bourg-Charente Castle – Bourg-Charente loop'. For more options, explore the Cycling around Triac-Lautrait guide, the Road Cycling Routes around Triac-Lautrait guide, or the MTB Trails around Triac-Lautrait guide.
Yes, the ruins of Château de Bouteville were built around the year 1000 on the site of a Roman villa, adding another layer of historical depth to its significance.
The Charente region generally enjoys pleasant weather from spring through early autumn (April to October), making these months ideal for visiting castles and exploring the surrounding countryside. During this period, the gardens and natural settings around the castles are at their most vibrant, and outdoor activities are more enjoyable.
The Château de Triac, despite its repeated destruction and reconstruction, retains its classical-style edifice with dry moats, two round towers, and a dovecote at its entrance. Its slate roof is adorned with sculpted decorations. Another interesting site is the Manor of Bois-Charente, which has a 16th-century tower and was once owned by Jean Fougerat, a benefactor of the Cognac vineyard, who developed its park with over 500 different species.
Parking availability varies by specific castle. For the Château de Triac, there are usually facilities for visitors. For other castles, it's advisable to check local signage or specific highlight information on komoot for details on nearby parking areas, especially in smaller villages or rural settings.
The Château de Bouteville impressively overlooks the Charente valley. Additionally, the Château de Gondeville has a historical connection to the river, with stones from an older fortified castle (possibly from the 10th century) that was built on a Charente island to block Vikings, believed to have been used in its construction.
The castles in the Triac-Lautrait area are often situated amidst the beautiful French countryside, characterized by river valleys and rolling landscapes. The Château de Triac, for example, is surrounded by serene settings with lush gardens and manicured lawns. Many castles, like Château de Bouteville, offer views of the Charente valley, providing a blend of historical architecture and natural beauty.


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