Chateau de Cadillac, Cadillac

Extravagant château & former prison north east of the city of Bordeaux

featured in Sights & sites

Built for the Duke of Epernon in the 16th century, this lavish château contained over 50 bedrooms!

The chateau's style, quintesentially French, combines splendour and military pomp. Its stunning interior décor includes panelling and painted ceilings, and monumental fireplaces made from marble and sculpted stone.

The Duke of Epernon was captain of Gascony, and he ascended to the highest ranks in the late 16th century, as a favourite of king Henri III, until he died in disgrace under the reign of Louis XIII.

A Renaissance classic, it became a prison in the 19th century, and until the 1950s it held female prisoners. It has an exceptional collection of tapestries, as well as a good museum depicting the harsh times when the building was a prison.

Who should go

Self guided tours are available in various languages including, English. French, German & Italian. Guided tours are available by reservation for a minimum group of 10 people, duration is 1 hour.

Visitor comments

"In addition to the fabulous marble fireplaces, which may not be to everyone's taste, there are more 17C tapestries than I have ever seen in one place. I am truly amazed that the whole collection is not in the Louvre, where, apparently two missing from the collection are exhibited. On the day we visited, they were mounting an exhibition of costumes from Bordeaux Opera. Some were even offered so that guests could try them on and be photographed. Take a moment to look out at the formal gardens from the landing windows. From there the design can be better appreciated than from ground level." - Trip Advisor
"On a recent trip making our way back to Bordeaux, we stopped in Cadillac. A tour guide took us through the town and this castle, which was built in the 17th century as a royal palace. It is very typical of French architecture. There still remains beautiful tapestry. This castle was later turned into a women's prison and housed them for crimes as petty as stealing bread, There was a section for children 9-15. One of the rooms displays a complete history of the prison with pictures. Although a depressing subject matter, the history of the castle and its architecture and tapestries are well worth the visit." - Trip Advisor
"We had a tour of this chateau conducted by a local guide as we traveled from Bordeaux to Toulouse. The architectural restoration to 17th century condition is remarkable, especially in light of its long term of use as a women's prison. The guide gave quite an informative presentation." - Trip Advisor