Upper ward
The seat of seigneurial power
The upper ward, located at the highest point of the fortress, brought together the main spaces for seigneurial government, residence and defence. Its transformation over the centuries reflects the growth and evolution of the castle.
During the 11th and 12th centuries, the first keep was the main building and symbolised the power of the lord.
From the 13th century onwards, the enlargement of the fortress and the growing importance of the barony led to a reorganisation of the ward. The old tower was turned into a storehouse, while a new keep took on the functions of fortified residence and centre of power during the 13th–15th centuries.
Around it were arranged the west tower, the residential chambers, the chapel, the great hall, the cellar, the cistern, the guardhouse and the main gate.
Archaeological excavations have made it possible to reconstruct much of this evolution, although some sectors are still awaiting study and future work.
Main areas of the upper ward in the 14th century
- 1 Gate
- 2 Guardhouse
- 3 Cistern 15th century
- 4 Chapel 13th–14th centuries
- 5 Chambers
- 6a First keep 11th century
- 6b Second keep 13th–14th centuries
- 7 Great hall 13th–14th centuries
- 8 Cellar 13th–15th centuries
