Château de la Cousse

Coulaures

La Cousse stands on a hillside between the Isle and the Auvézère, at Coulaures. It was a medieval fortified stronghold, of which two towers and a much-altered main range survive. The south tower has remained in its original state, apart from its windows, and carries four decorative brattices, a motif characteristic of the fortified architecture of the northern Périgord; beneath the north building, the cellars keep their firing embrasures. A fire ravaged the château in 1720 and the main range was raised again in the taste of the day, then the whole was enlarged under Louis XV. The roofs and the façades have been listed as monuments historiques (inscribed) since 1 February 1962. The exterior, the tower of the 15th century, the chapel and the gardens may be visited without a guide from 1 July to 20 September.

Getting there : Open to the public: the exterior of the château, the tower of the 15th century, the chapel, the park and the gardens. Unguided visits from 1 July to 20 September, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Information on 05 53 05 01 12 (Naturellement Périgord tourist office).

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

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