In 1280, Robert de Montbron was lord of Varaignes.
In 1451, the castellany of Varaignes passed from François de Montbron to Gauthier-de-Pérusse, lord of the Cars of Vauguyon, Coussière, Roussines, Tour de Bar, Repaire and the Baronnie de St Germain/Vienna.
The municipal castle is listed in the inventory of French buildings. It was restored thanks to the efforts of the Syndicat d'Initiative and the Foyer d'Animation Culturelle de Varaignes, which received the 1st prize in the National Competition for Antenne 2 "Masterpieces in Danger in 1981" from the hands of the Minister of Culture.
The archaeological interest of this castle is due to the fact that it allows you to embrace the evolution of local architecture: architecture of the square keep (14th and 15th centuries), Gothic architecture of the hexagonal tower (15th) and facade of the interior courtyard (16th century) of Italian Renaissance inspiration.
The castle houses the weavers and Charentaise weavers' workshop-museum which traces the history of textile activity in Périgord-Limousin, the cradle of Charentaise and the working of fibers up to the production of "Charentes".
Guided tours all year round at 3pm on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. In July and August, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 3 p.m. and guided tour on Thursday at 2:30 p.m.
