We have visited Château de Mareuil twice. Known locally as Mareuil-sur-Belle is a former commune in southwestern France in Périgord Vert (Green Périgord). On 1 January 2017, it was merged into the new commune Mareuil en Périgord. It was the birthplace of the composer and poet Arnaut de Mareuil and historian Michel Tardieu.
The Chateau is one of four Baronnies of Perigord, property of the Barons de Mareuil and princes of Talleyrand-Périgord. The château dates to the XIIth century and was rebuilt after the Hundred Years War. This part of the history is also filled with some marshals like de Broglie, Berthier or Lannes, the best friend of Napoléon. The Chateau was destroyed by fire amidst the 2nd War of Religion and was left vacant for the following hundred years. The property changed hands several times before being bought by Isabelle de Beauville in the 17th century, who later left it to her daughter, Jeanne-Françoise, married to Daniel de Talleyrand-Périgord. Although they worked on refurbishing the Chateau, they seldom resided in it and ultimately deserted it during the Revolution.
In 1883, Mareuil was incorporated into the inheritance bestowed by Élie-Roger-Louis de Talleyrand-Périgord, the Prince of Chalais, to the Hospital of Chalais, leading to the conversion of the Chateau into a farm. Fast forward to 1963, the chateau was purchased, renovated, and refurnished by the Dukes of Montebello, who are descendants of Marshal Jean Lannes, and it became reoccupied. The chateau was declared a historical monument in the 1860s.
It is a fortified château with buildings arranged on a motte from the fifteenth to the eighteenth century. The château is accessed from a first tower door located on the counterscarp of the moat. A small building attached to the reverse of this tower served as a guardhouse. On the right, the passage crossed a long rising ramp, bordered all along its outer side by a parapet pierced with embrasures for firearms, and rises to a sleeping bridge crossing the ditch. This increasing ramp, which runs along the curtain wall of the château for about thirty meters, formed a kind of barbican whose role was to control and defend access to the château while protecting the curtain wall from its mass. In addition to the drawbridge, a double leaf and a portcullis guarded this door. Inside the chateau, the buildings remaining today are arranged in an L-shape. At the junction of the two buildings is a rectangular tower that exceeds the height of the rest of the building. This is the old dungeon. To the left of the entrance, past the drawbridge, is a chapel designed in a flamboyant Gothic style.
Part of Chateau de Mareuil (the former commons) is now the residence of the Duke of Montebello and his family. Most seigneurial and military parts (towers, walls, keep, guard and reception rooms, cabinet, former chapel, high and lower courtyard) are open to visitors. Some delightful antique furniture, paintings, and porcelain collections are accessible to the public. Medieval games are available to play at the entrance and in the large garden to the back of the courtyard.
The Duke was present on our first visit but has since unfortunately passed away.
Visiting Mareuil Chateau
Our first visit was 14 euros for adults and 5 euros for a child. On our 2nd visit, the cost was 8 euros per adult and 2 euros a child. We thought this was a fair price; the place is steeped in history, and the guides are friendly and accommodating. If you are looking for well-manicured lawns and topiary hedges, there is a better place for you. If you are looking for a great door added with quirkiness and humour, lovely Chateau Mareuil is well worth a visit.
It is possible to visit the Castle of Mareuil from June to September from Monday to Saturday. It is always guided, either by Benoît de Montebello, son of the Duke or by an employee of the site. Due to a lack of funds, necessary preservation and renovation work is not envisaged before 2024.
The local area of Mareuil
You have the opportunity to delve deeper into the heritage and attractions of the village by following the explanations provided on the 16 interpretation panels. These start at the town hall square. The panels offer insight into the significant location of Mareuil, its historical importance as an old barony, and the remnants from that period. Mareuil is also a great location for hikers, with several trails or loops traversing through it. The village has six specifically designed hiking circuits around it, providing a fun way to explore the area. A special circuit from Tèrra Aventura, is set up for children. Terra Aventura is a free scavenger hunt app with hunts all around Nouvelle Aquitaine.
In Mareuil, you can explore a cave featuring natural formations. This adventure suits the entire family, with children aged 10 and above. For further details on visiting the Beaussac cave, contact the Périgord Dronne Belle Tourist Office. They can supply you with the information you need.
