Castles of the Dordogne: Château de Losse
Chateau de Losse In the town of Thonac, near Montignac and the prehistoric caves of Lascaux , in the Périgord Noir, the Chateau de Losse and its gardens dominate the Vézère valley. Originally, a medieval stronghold, the castle is surrounded by wide and deep moats, and it's accessible via a large châtelet which gives the whole building an impression of power, before entering the inner courtyard. The harmonious proportions of the buildings and the decoration of its facade reveal all the elegance of the Renaissance architecture. It was in the 12th century, that the de Losse family, originally from Flanders, stronghold of the crown of France, settled on the banks of the Vézère. The Marquis Jean II de Losse will be its worthy representative. By his will, the castle was transformed in 1576 into a private residence. Chateau de Losse Page under François 1st, he became captain and fiery adversary of Charles V and acquired high responsibilities as Governor before becoming a ...