Chateaux

The Haute Vienne is a veritable treasure trove for lovers of historical buildings, particularly Chateaux. Pictured on this page are a selection of the many chateaux within an hour or so's drive from La Tronchaise.

Particularly interesting is the 'Route Richard Cœur-de-Lion' (Richard the Lionheart).

Richard I was the son of Eleanor of Aquitane. He ascended the throne in 1189, and inherited an empire which encompassed Normandy and Aquitaine. He and the King of France, formerly allies, went to war over these territories.

Richard's military strength was vastly superior to the King's and he forced Phillipe Auguste into a truce, imposed and arbitrated by the Pope. Richard then decided to carry the war into the Limousin area area to teach a lesson to the Vicomte of Limoges who was supposed to be a vassal of Richard, but whose loyalty was being tested by pressure from the King. On 20th March 1199, Richard laid siege to the Château of Châlus. He was wounded shortly afterwards by a crossbow bolt and died on 6th April.

There is a line of fortified towns and châteaux along the south-west border of the viscounty of Limoges. A sightseeing route dedicated to Richard the Lionheart links the castles and sites which formed the backdrop to his life in this area.

Cath & Doug Smith
La Tronchaise
87150 Oradour sur Vayres
France

thesmiths@latronchaise.fr