Château de Bonnes Visit a Renaissance castle in the Dordogne

The Château de Bonnes, a return to the heart of the 13th century in South Charente

In the peaceful natural setting of the secluded village of Bonnes, Michel Delmond welcomes you. The Château de Bonnes , built in the 13th century , sits on the banks of the Dronne River, offering the perfect opportunity to combine historical discovery with a pleasant walk in the unspoiled Charente countryside. While the visit itself is quite short, it is captivating and can be extended by Michel's captivating storytelling; he knows the history inside and out.

A castle that has stood the test of time in South Charente

Don't expect a grand spectacle. The Château de Bonnes is quite simple, with few areas open to visitors since two-thirds of the building was destroyed during the French Revolution. Built at the beginning of the Renaissance on the foundations of the medieval castle that was the seigniorial seat of the Lambert family, it changed hands between the French and British crowns from the 11th to the 16th centuries. This historical heritage is now owned by Michel Delmond and his wife, who are continuing the restoration work begun by their grandparents, who reunited the three parts of the castle:

• The central section features beautiful murals.
• A firm side that no longer exists
• A village house built on the site of a medieval castle

Make a detour to the Château de Bonnes and let yourself be told its story which begins in the Renaissance.

A free visit to make in the summer

The castle tours are open to everyone between July 20th and August 31st, led by Michel Delmond himself, the owner. A simple phone call is all it takes to book before meeting this history enthusiast who will be waiting for you at the entrance, in the castle courtyard. Much of the castle is inaccessible, having been destroyed during the French Revolution, but you can still admire the tower on the left and the Renaissance gallery with its seven arches, one of the most beautiful parts of the castle. Built in an equilateral triangle, the arches are still clearly visible, revealing a harmonious architecture. The seven arches represent the seven deadly sins, ascending to seventh heaven, or the seven days of creation, a symbol of fulfillment. Michel Delmond is an expert on the subject and can cite other castles that showcase this Renaissance style with its pavilion roof, designed by Robert de la Marthonie, minister to Francis I, such as Château Beauregard in the Loire Valley or Château Assier in the Lot region. The gardens surrounding the castle can be explored freely after an enriching visit to the Château de Bonnes.

The visit is quite quick, allow about 15 minutes for the interior and 15 minutes for the gardens, unless you are curious and want to chat for a while with your host for the day.