Viollet-le-Duc and his medieval fantasy in Roquetaillade

The Pink bedroom by Viollet-le-DucThe Pink bedroom by Viollet-le-Duc | ©Roquetaillade / CC-BY-SA

Our story begins in the 12th century, when family de La Mothe raised a fortress called "Old castle".

The "New castle" dates back to 1306, raised by Gaillard de La Mothe who wanted a brand new house: it was a square castle flanked by 4 towers.

But our family had an open sympathy for the English... so their castle was many times besieged during the Hundred Years War!

This is the story: now, let's meet Mr. Viollet-le-Duc, who restored Roquetaillade in the 19th century.

This one was really ruined, so the Mauvesin family, owners in the middle of the 19th century, decided to modernize it, while keeping a little medieval touch!

From 1866, the famous architect rebuilt drawbridge, mullioned windows, and gorgeous apartments. The building site was completed in 1874.