Château de La Rochefoucauld traces its origins to the 11th century when Lord Foucauld established the first fortification commanding the Tardoire valley from Charente. During the Renaissance in 1520, the castle was significantly enlarged and embellished with three-level galleries and a grand staircase (107 steps without landing) attributed to Leonardo da Vinci's designs, creating a unique French architectural achievement. Designated a historic monument in 1955, the castle has remained with the La Rochefoucauld family through the centuries, surviving the Wars of Religion and French Revolution, and features a chapel adorned with modern stained glass windows.
