The Château de Caussade is located in the town of Trélissac, in the Dordogne, near Périgueux. It was built on a plateau, to the north-west of the territory, dominating the Isle valley, and protecting the Limoges - Périgueux axis, which was very popular in the Middle Ages.
This is a polygonal fortress founded by the first lord of the area, Guillaume de Calzado, in the 12th century.
The castle then changed ownership and was the object of envy during the Hundred Years War. The lords of the time, of the Cugnac family, were thus first supporters of the English, then they pledged allegiance to the King of France. In exchange, a garrison loyal to the king is installed within the fortress.
New struggles then took place with the Puy Saint-Front (ancient village of Périgueux which claims to be the depository of royal authority) then during the Wars of Religion, the Cugnac family being a favorable time for the Reformation.
In 1647, the Marthonie family became the owner of the château and the seigneury of Caussade by alliance. Besides the castle, it includes several smallholdings and forests.
After the Revolution, again, different owners follow one another. During the First War, German officers were detained there and during the Second, the site was a den for resistance fighters. Restored after the storm of 1999, the castle is still private.
Protected as historical monuments, it is still today surrounded by a polygonal enclosure comprising four projecting square towers. The main building is located in one of these towers, on the site of the old keep. There are elements of the old rampart walk, curtain walls crowned with machicolations. The moats are now filled, however.
The site which has retained a medieval look can mark out a promenade. Information on +33 5 53 53 10 63.