Short history of the castle:
The castle was built in the middle of the 11th century and was one of the great fortified places on the frontiers of the Duchy of Brittany.
Most of the present castle was built in the 13th century. Constructed by Guillaume de Clisson, on a rocky outcrop dominating the Sèvre Nantaise, its form at that time was an irregular polygon flanked by round towers and isolated from the rocky plateau by a shallow moat.
In the 14th century, Olivier III de Clisson incorporated the gatehouse into a massive quadrilangular keep.
In the 15th century, the fortifications were modernised to permit the use of artillery.
During the War in the Vendée, the town and its castle were burned by the Infernal columns of Jean-Baptiste Kléber.
During the 19th century, the ruined castle attracted Romantic painters and sculptors.
In 1962, the castle was sold by the Lamot family to the Conseil général of the Loire-Atlantique, who carried out important restoration works with the assistance of the French Ministry of Culture.
Opening Times and additionnal information:
Open all year, everyday (except Tuesday)
May to September: from 11am to 6.30pm
October to April: from 2pm to 5.30pm
Price of visits:
Adults 2,20 euros
Students, Children (under 12), Retired: 1,50 euros
contact@mairie-clisson.fr
