Located on the left bank of the Charente, in the middle of a peaceful park with its hundred year old trees the Crazannes Castle, a classified historical monument of the end of the 14th century. Is one of the oldest houses in Saintonge.
The site was already occupied in the 11th century by a powerful fortress of which remain a chapel, for a long time the parish church, as well as a keep and the moat.
In 1362, the Black Prince stayed for a short time at Crazannes, and in 1519 , François 1er stopped here during his travels in Saintonge.
In 1565, Jean Acarie, best military leader of France, according to Brantôme, ordered the construction of a large square wing to enlarge the 14th century main building .
Among the numerous families that succeeded in Crazannes, the Castle belonged among others to Jules Gouffier, marquis of Carabas, of whom Charles Perrault inspired himself to create the character of the “Puss in Boots” count.
In 1760, Jacques Chaudruc, ship-owner and slave-dealer, bought the Castle of Crazannes and made important repairs.
We can see inside on the living-room chimney, the peculiar coat of arms of his family.
In the middle of the 18th century, the Castle became the residence of Pierre-Louis de La Rochefoucald, Saintes city bishop, beheaded in 1792 in Paris. We can still see his coat of arms on the library chimney.
At the end of the last century, the baron of Crazannes remodeled the south façade .
The 15th century north façade is an exceptional interest of finishing gothic raves and blazes. Entirely sculptured , it shows many characters, dragons, mythic monsters, which are as in a picture telling the stories of old legends. The pinnacle front door is a monument in itself ; on each side we can see represented the welcome made to the pilgrims. Crazannes was actually an important stop on the pilgrimage to Saint Jacques of Compostelle. This is why we found below the windows, the sculptures reminding Saint Jacques miracles. Further we can see scenes from legends of the Melusine fairy. We can also see Saint Georges overcoming the dragon, strange creatures, mystical animals…
Nowrdays, restored and nicely arranged with old furniture, The Crazannes Castle of “Puss in Boots Castle” possesses unique chimneys and extremely original sculptured beams.