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| Chateau de Losse |
In the town of Thonac, near Montignac and the prehistoric caves of Lascaux, in the Périgord Noir, the Chateau de Losse and its gardens dominate the Vézère valley.
Originally, a medieval stronghold, the castle is surrounded by wide and deep moats, and it's accessible via a large châtelet which gives the whole building an impression of power, before entering the inner courtyard. The harmonious proportions of the buildings and the decoration of its facade reveal all the elegance of the Renaissance architecture.
It was in the 12th century, that the de Losse family, originally from Flanders, stronghold of the crown of France, settled on the banks of the Vézère. The Marquis Jean II de Losse will be its worthy representative. By his will, the castle was transformed in 1576 into a private residence.
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| Chateau de Losse |
Page under François 1st, he became captain and fiery adversary of Charles V and acquired high responsibilities as Governor before becoming a Gentleman of the King's chamber under François II. Then he was appointed first French captain of the Scottish guard of the Louvre.
He was therefore at the service of all the sons of Catherine de Medici before receiving the mission of presiding over the education of the young prince of Béarn at the Court, the future Henry IV.
Finally, in 1573, he ended his prestigious career by becoming governor of his country, Limousin and Périgord and lieutenant-general of Guyenne.
A visit to the castle is an opportunity to admire the exceptional period furniture dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, a pivotal period between the last Valois and the first Bourbon. The apartments, at the top of the ceremonial staircase show sculpted decorations, superb fireplaces as well as tapestries and paintings.
The large and manicured gardens were laid out in the 16th century.
Take your time to enjoy the outstanding elegance of these spaces and let your senses be fulfilled by their richness: the green corridor offering pleasant shade in summer, the central parterre, the roses, the herbs...
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| Chateau de Losse |
In the background, behind a majestic tree, you will notice the imposing Tour de l’Éperon, dating from the 16th century, with an old staircase. Inside, it has two rooms which recreate the period decor.
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| Chateau de Losse |
Leaving the cottage and turning around, you will find the small canal of the Apollo and Venus fountain, whose gray effigies stand out against an ocher background. Crystal clear water flows as it passes by the topiary garden decorated with rosemary and lavender plants.
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| Chateau de Losse |
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| Apollo and Venus fountain, Chateau de Losse |
Retracing your steps, you will exit the castle grounds to enter the terraced gardens around the castle through a hedge-shaped door opening up the labyrinthine path, guided by rows of boxwood which enclose plant beds that change according to the seasons.
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| Chateau de Losse |
Finally, the drained and landscaped moats allow you to continue walking along the river while admiring the castle which displays all its majesty.
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| Chateau de Losse |
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| Vézère river, Chateau de Losse |
Interesting fact: contemporary of Montaigne, Jean de Losse wished to leave some mottos echoing his life. They are carved in stone in various places of the castle.
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| Chateau de Losse |
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