Château de Losse, from a fortress to a castle
The Château de Losse is nestled on the banks of the Vézère River, in the heart of the Périgord Noir region (Black Périgord).
The first fortress was built in the 11th century by the Losse family, originally from French Flanders, who swore allegiance to the King of France and settled in the region.
Marquis Jean II de Losse, a courtier and highly esteemed soldier in the service of King Francis I, returned to Périgord at the end of his military career and was appointed Governor-General of Limousin and Guyenne.
Having discovered the Italian Renaissance during the military campaigns of Francis I, he undertook in 1576 to transform the ancestral fortress into an elegant Renaissance château.
Renaissance Château de Losse
The Château de Loches was listed as a historical monument in 1928.
Protected by imposing walls and deep moats, the Château de Loches is one of the most beautiful castles in the Périgord region. Its superb rear terrace, overlooking the Vézère River, not only offers an idyllic view of the countryside but also provides a natural defence. This defence is reinforced by the Tour de l’Éperon, built in the 14th century, which is perfectly integrated into the medieval ramparts.
The fortified gate of the Châtelet leads directly into the Cour d’Honneur (Court of Honour). While the Château de Loches is renowned for its splendid Renaissance facade, its interior is no less impressive. A grand ceremonial staircase leads to the private apartments, which house superb collections of 16th- and 17th-century furniture.
The Gardens of the Château de Losse
The gardens of the Château de Losse reflect the castle’s refined and elegant character. Laid out in terraces, they are adorned with extensive collections of fragrant plants organised by theme.
The Champ de Verdure (Meadow of Greenery), meticulously recreated to resemble the 17th-century flowerbeds, houses a labyrinth.
La Tonnelle ( Arbour), an avenue lined with aromatic plants, leads to the Chemin de Ronde (walkway) and the ruined walls, embellished with cascading climbing roses.
The Jardin Bas (Lower Garden), landscaped in the former moat, is a garden of aromatic herbs, rosemary and lavender. You will also find a narrow canal that meanders between topiary before flowing into the lovely Fountain of Apollo and Venus.
Renowned for their exceptional beauty, these gardens were awarded the prestigious “Remarkable Garden” label by the Ministry of Culture in 2004.
Located just 5 km from Montignac and the Lascaux Caves, on the road to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, the Château de Losse is a must-see in the Périgord region!
Department of Dordogne
Coordinates Chateau de Losse: Lat 45.029748 – Long 45.029748
Photos Wikimedia Creative Commons: Gardens by TRSL CC BY-SA 3.0 – Fontaine d’Apollon et Venus by Manfred Heyde CC BY-SA 3.0
