The castle Charmes-sur-l'Herbasse is located on the town of the same name, in the Drome, 25 km north of Valencia.
It was built from the eleventh century on the basis of high wooden fortifications a century earlier. The site dominates the town, the valley of the course of Herbasse, a sub-tributary of the Rhone, and once allowed to monitor the surrounding territory. From now on, visitors will enjoy a beautiful panorama of the natural region of "Drôme des collines".
The original little castle underwent first remodeling in the Renaissance to turn it into a more comfortable manor. The old openings are walled and replaced by mullioned windows, and the distribution of interior rooms is redesigned.
New elements of comfort (chimneys) and decoration were added in the 17th and 18th century, basins were dug, fed by pipes connecting them to springs more than a kilometer and a half away. These waters are also intended to give all its character to a nearby cave, arranged in a romantic style.
In accordance with the fashion of the time, a new campaign initiated in the nineteenth century gives a neo-Gothic aspect to certain elements.
Acquired at the end of the twentieth century, the castle is restored (roofs of the towers and dungeon), the interior renovated and its furnishings and decorations highlighted, exterior restored and even embellished (planting a rose garden).
Listed in the supplementary inventory since 1986, the Charmes-sur-l'Herbasse castle is still privately owned but is open to the public and even houses a Contemporary Art Center.
Open from July to November (by appointment outside these periods). Free visits (price of 2 to 6 euros according to the age) or guided by reservation (with supplement of 2 euros). Information on +33 6 68 30 83 61.
