- Château de Couffour
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The Château de Couffour is a ruined castle situated in the French commune of Chaudes-Aigues in the Cantal département.
The original 15th century castle, with seven towers with conical roof, was witness to the importance of this place during the Hundred Years War. The present remains consist of a tower and neighbouring buildings. The circular tower has attached to it, on the west, a smaller tower containing the spiral staircase that gives access to the upper floors. The ground floor, noticeably square, is vaulted. The rooms on the three upper floors display a more or less similar layout. Small circular rooms communicate with each of these rooms. On the first floor, one room still has 17th century paintings where, on a background of bouquets of leaves and flowers, are inset portraits of women and landscapes in rectangular frames. The first floor room has an 18th century painted wooden fireplace.
In the 18th century, the castle was sold to a local owner. The French Revolution and the early 19th century were a period of decline; poorly maintained, the castle fell into disrepair. Now the property of the commune of Chaudes-Aigues, Château de Couffour is listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.
See also
External links
- Château de Couffour's listing at the Ministry of Culture (French)
- Photos from the Ministry of Culture
Sources
- www.culture.gouv.fr, accessed 6 Feb 2007
Categories:- Buildings and structures in Cantal
- Châteaux in France
- Official historical monuments of France
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