Pornic – Castle
Built: 12th century
Status: Private
Visitable?: Sometimes
Web: n/a
The castle at the seatown of Pornic in Pays de Loire is the most visible item in the scenic landscape. It dominates the town.
The castle is located partially on the sea promenade, partially on the public beach. So although the castle is in private hands, you can see it from all angles, and up close.
The initial castle was built in the 10th century, made from wood. But in the 12th century it was rebuilt using stone, giving you more or less the shape it is in today.
In the 15th century the castle became known as “Chateau de Barbe Bleue” (Bluebeard’s Castle) since it now belonged to the famous and notorious Gilles de Rais. Baron Gilles de Rais was the leader of the French army and a compagnon of none other than Joan of Arc. However, his notoriety came from the fact that he confessed of being a mass-serial children killer, resulting in his hanging.
During de Rais’ trial, the Duke of Brittany confiscated the castle, making it one of his numerous castles.
Today this beautiful castle is in private hands, but it can still be visited, occasionally.
You’ll need to contact the local tourist office, since at times they give guided tours of the castle grounds and courtyards. Also, during the National Heritage Days, the castle is open to the public.
Summary
If you are in Pornic, you’ll not be able to escape the castle. It’s visible everywhere, and merits a walk around. If you are in luck, and there are visits organized, do go!
Related Posts
The Valmont castle is most impressive; a mixture between a fortress and a castle, perched high on a hill overlooking the town of Valmont in Upper Normandy. The families who owned it were numerous (including English), one of them is well know since it belonged to the Grimaldi family…
Driving around the Brittany coastline you might just see some signs for the Guildo Castle. You'll need to take a few country roads to get there, but once there you'll see something pretty amazing. Guildo Fortress ruins in Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer. In a field on the rocks Located some 500 meters from…
The Galleville castle at Doudeville (the linen capital of France in Upper Normandy), is an enormous Chateau built in a town full of mansions and manors belonging to the linen barons. The castle was built in 1678 and since 1769 it has belonged to the same family. The 12…
Despite the heavy bombings during WWII, Le Havre still has one of its beautiful castles mostly intact; the Gadelles castle. The "Chateau des Gadelles" is also known as "Porte de Burgos" after the 14th century "Arco de Santa Maria" castle in Burgos, Spain which it was modelled on. In 1874…
In a small 800 person village close to Lisieux is a castle that looks like a fairytale castle, the kind kids would draw. The village is called Saint-Germain-de -Livet, and the castle dates back to the 15th century. The castle was donated to the city of Lisieux in 1957. It is now…
