Saint-Jean-de-Côle - Château de la Marthonie

Today Saint-Jean-de-Côle, a member of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" ("most beautiful villages of France"), has a population of only about 300. A castle existed here already since the 11th century, when nearby a priory was founded. This castle got ruined when English troops seized the village in 1394 and settled here for 11 years, before French troops forced them out.

The current castle was rebuilt from the end of the 15th century on, but suffered again, when in 1569 Saint-Jean-de-Côle was pillaged by the Protestants during the wars of religion .

After the end of the war the castle got rebuilt again in a Renaissance style and a large wing was added in the 17rth century.

Seen here are the castle, the market hall and a part of the former convent´s church, now parish church.