Listed as a Historic Monument, the Château de Crazannes was built in the 14th century on the foundations of an 11th century fortress of which there remains a chapel (which was the chapel of the village of Crazannes before 1874), a dungeon, a dovecote and moats.
This castle, a stopover on the way to Santiago de Compostela, was remodeled in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Black Prince stayed there in 1362 and Francois 1° in 1519.
The nickname “Château du Chat Botté” dates back to the 17th century, when it was owned by the Count of Caravaz, J. Gouffier. Eminent character if ever there was one, since he inspired Ch. Perrault to create the Marquis de Carabas, Master of Puss in Boots in his famous tale that everyone knows.
The north facade of the Flamboyant Gothic period presents a prodigious phantasmagoric decoration. A multitude of characters, graceful or grotesque, animals and symbols enliven the decor. They illustrate different medieval customs and legends as well as alchemical themes.
“Le Château du Chat Botté”, superbly restored, has a remarkable set of fireplaces and an astonishing sculpted ceiling.
The building has been restored and furnished with appropriate furniture, as well as the adjoining museum of ancient rural objects. All these gems nestle in a fabulous park of eight hectares wonderfully maintained.
The entire property (castle, chapel, keep, dovecote, museum, moat, adjoining gardens and woods) is private property for commercial purposes: the museum can be visited (entrance fee) and the building cannot be visited, but is reserved for private or professional receptions.
Facing the car park, there is a beautiful view of the chapel without entering the property. On the side of the car park, from the road, the castle stands out on the hill without any artifice hiding the immensity and beauty of the building.