SIGOURNAIS CASTLE
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Feudal castle with military architecture of the Middle Ages in Vendée, with polygonal enclosure and dungeon-porch, exhibitions to see
To the east of Chantonnay, Sigournais is home to one of the most characteristic monuments of the Vendée. Remodeled in the 15th century on the basis of a castle built around the year 1000, with ditches, enclosure, towers, covered walkway on machicolations, archways-canons, original frame, latrines ... This feudal castle is one of the best examples of medieval military architecture in the Vendée. It has a polygonal enclosure with 7 towers and a magnificent keep-porch. The keep, built on three levels, is unique in the Vendée with its rafters, its machicolations and its typical loopholes (archways and gun ports). Two drawbridges gave access to the castle which was partly destroyed by fire during the Vendée war in 1793. In the large rooms of the dungeon, you will discover: the lordly room and the children's room in the 15th century; a collection of 800 carved coats of arms of the provinces of France (departments and chief towns), and of all the European capitals. In the outbuildings, several exhibitions: one recalls the 47 years of restoration of the castle; another teaches us more about the theme of the vine and wine in the Middle Ages; and the last one deals with three centuries of Franco-English rivalry in the West... As for the activities, a competition on heraldry for adults and a booklet-game "The knight's challenge" given to 7-11 year olds spice up the visit. Sound and light show in August. It is a private monument.
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