Château de Bonaguil, France
Channel: Patrick Beckers
Date: 2023-03-01

The name Bonaguil is derived from 'Bonne Aiguille', meaning good needle, referring to the defensive site where the castle stands. The castle was built in the 13th century and subsequently rebuilt in the late 15th/early 16th century and in the 18th century. At the time of the rebuilding (which lasted 40 years) in the 16th century, it was a state-of-the-art military fortress, but was never used militarily afterwards. A striking feature is the keep, which is built in the shape of a boat. During the French Revolution, the castle was stripped of all its interiors, floors, roofs and wooden parts. Since 1860, the complex has been the property of the municipality of Fumel, which subsequently carried out various restorations in the 160 years that followed.

More info about and pictures of this castle at 
www.castles-across-europe.com