Bonnetière Castle

The Château de la Bonnetière is a former castle and now a château situated in the commune of La Chaussée in France. The castle’s origin goes back to the 13th century. Formerly a fortress, the Bonnetière formed part of the medieval defence system of the Sénéchaussée of Loudunais and has been listed as a monument historique since 1987.

Bonnetière Castle history

Originally, four towers equipped with murder holes and connected by buildings closed by an interior courtyard. The castle was attacked and partially burned by the English in June 1350 – during the Hundred Years’ War – when three of the buildings disappeared.

In the 17th century, the Vaucelles family undertook a restoration of the castle and by the 18th century, the Marreau de Boisguérins had built the two pavilions attached to the entry towers.

The octagonal dovecote situated in the courtyard dates from the 14th century and could accommodate around 1,300 pigeons and is one of the oldest in the Sénéchaussée of Loudunais.

Bonnetière Castle today

Today, Château de la Bonnetière continues to stand proudly yet is not longer a fortress but a privately owned property that can be rented for holidays or events. Boasting 11 rooms and 22 beds, the castle is the ideal holiday spot to transport you back to medieval times. The chapel houses an exhibition on the history of the château.

Getting to Bonnetière Castle

Located between Lyon and Etienne, Bonnetière Castle lays a kilometre from the village of Les Halles. From Lyon, Bonnetière Castle is just over an hour drive via the N89.