Castle Thouars

Castle Thouars is a 14th-15th century hunting lodge situated in the heart of a wooded park in Talence, originally constructed within a royal forest as a recreational retreat for English royalty. Built on the site of a 13th-century bastide established by the Bishop of Bath, the castle later became a prominent seigneurial seat in the 16th century before experiencing significant damage during the French Revolution. Though substantially restored in the 19th century by the Balguerie family, it now retains two of its original four towers. Currently owned by the city and recognized as Talence's oldest castle, it functions as a cultural venue hosting occasional art exhibitions and serving as a picturesque setting for various civic events and performances within its expansive grounds.