The castle of Gençay, known as Du Guesclin, is located in the town of Gençay, in the department of Vienne, 25 km south of Poitiers.
Located to the north-west of the town, a first fortified building is mentioned from the 10th century, certainly dedicated to protecting populations during raids by brigands or invasions since the village is located on the old Roman road linking Poitiers to Perigueux. The fortress was built on a spur overlooking the confluence of two rivers.
In 1250, the castle was rebuilt by Geoffroy de Rancon, lord of Taillebourg, who was financially rewarded for his loyalty to the king of France against whom the other lords of Poitou and Aquitaine were in league, and who also took advantage of the dowry of his wife, daughter of the Lord of Lusignan.
However, the Hundred Years War will upset local history like that of the castle. Considered impregnable with its gatehouse, towers and curtain walls dominating the surroundings, it fell to the English in 1356 some time after their capture of Poitiers. With its many lands, it was given by the Prince of Wales to one of his followers, Gregory Sais, called Adam Chel, Sieur d'Agorisses. He remained master of the place for 19 years, and still an enemy of the King of France had the castle further fortified.
Besieged in 1373 by Jean du Berry on behalf of France, the site was only abandoned by English troops after negotiations led by Du Guesclin. The castle then passed to Jean du Berry…
The Trémoille family then inherited the premises and kept them until 1566.
During the Wars of Religion, the castle was taken for some time by the Huguenots.
Subsequently, the domain loses its strategic interest. Although it survived the Revolution, it was however transformed into a stone quarry at the beginning of the 19th century.
Classified as a Historic Monument since 1840, it was saved from disappearing…
As vestiges, it was not until the last third of the 20th century that excavations and restoration campaigns began.
Today, although it remains an imposing silhouette, only the gatehouse, two round towers and large sections of ramparts still attest to the quality of this example of medieval military architecture from yesteryear.
Free visit of the site but also guided tours in season and fun activities (escape games). Price: from 2 euros.
Information on +33 5 49 59 30 57.