Château de Villeneuve-la-Comtesse stands south of the village in Charente-Maritime, with origins tracing to 1235 when Raoul I, lord of Exoudun and grandson of Hugues VIII of Lusignan, held the fief. The castle was rebuilt around 1420 by King Charles VII's captain Christin Chamber, featuring military devices of Scottish inspiration unique to medieval French architecture. During the 16th and 17th centuries, it served as a garrison castle and endured several assaults from Huguenot forces. Registered as a historic monument since 1949, the château opens seasonally from July through September, offering free daily visits except Mondays.
