Castle of La Roche Courbon

Built in the 15th century on a rocky spur, in the 17th century this fortified castle was converted into a comfortable dwelling. An elegant balcony propped up by arcades adorns the facade; from the Renaissance terrace a staircase with two landings leads to splendid French-style gardens: an orchard, a flower garden, geometrical parterres and lawns encase a watercourse; they yield a magnificent perspective framed by an ancient forest. Inside: a wood painting room, a vaulted guardroom. Handsome furniture. In the 15th-century donjon, a prehistory museum presenting discoveries made on the site and its surroundings.