Maison Forte de Reignac


Useful Information

Location: Near Lespinasse, on the road between Tursac and Le Moustier. At the shores of the Vezere river.
(44.979683, 1.054925)
Open: MAR to APR daily 10-18.
MAY to JUN daily 10-19.
JUL to AUG daily 10-20.
SEP daily 10-20.
OCT to 11-NOV daily 10-18.
[2011]
Fee: Adults EUR 7, Children (5-13) EUR 3.50, Children (0-4) free, Students EUR 6.
Groups (+): Adults EUR 6, Children (5-13) EUR 2.90, Students EUR 5.
[2011]
Classification: SubterraneaCave Castle SubterraneaCave House
Light: LightIncandescent Electric Light System
Dimension:
Guided tours: self guided.
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address: Maison Forte de Reignac, Reignac, 24620 Tursac, Tel: +33-553-506954.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

14th century front wall built.
1508 windows added to the front wall.

Description

photography
La Maison Forte de Reignac, Vézère Valley, France. Public Domain.

The Maison Forte de Reignac (Fortified House of Reignac) is a Medieval cave castle. It was erected in the 14th century by fortifying the cliff shelter with a wall. Later the wall was changed by adding some windows.

In the early times the stronghold was the center of an estate with the right to low and high justice. Later the low and high justice was transferred to the Lord of nearby ShowcaveRoque St Christophe. The fortification was intended as protection against outlaws and bandits. It was not a military fortification which could resist an army. But the strategic location allowed attacks only from the front, which was protected by 12 guns. The elevated location made attacks hard and allowed to throw rocks and hot liquids on the attackers.

Today the fortified house is completely renovated and is a museum of the Middle Ages. Several rooms are equipped with original furniture, and there is an exhibition of torture instruments. There is also a typical Medieval curio cabinet with minerals, stuffed animals, curiosities, and artifacts.