Video: The Delightful 13th Century Château de Ratilly with its Spectacular Selection of Turreted Towers

Guests who cruise aboard luxury hotel barge Renaissance enjoy an excursion to the beautiful Château de Ratilly and its permanent collection of local stoneware dating from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries. In the castle’s workshops, we see traditional pottery being made and learn about this artisanal craft for ourselves.

With origins in the 11th century, the Château de Ratilly as we see it today was built on existing foundations in the 13th century. Today Ratilly is a creative centre for the arts and a pottery workshop, continuing a local tradition which has existed since the Roman occupation of France. The château was transformed into a fine residence during the Renaissance when many of its defences were no longer needed. Arrow slits were opened into large windows and some of the towers were developed for other purposes. Read more about Château de Ratilly here >>

Related Articles

What is the difference between a river cruise and a barge cruise?

You may think that only river and ocean cruises are synonymous with a premium experience, but hotel barge cruises are every bit, if not more, luxurious! Here's why... Read More

Top Four Iconic Aqueducts in France

If you're a civil engineering buff, the waterways of France will provide much to marvel over (and under, and through!) Read More

Sancerre & the Upper Loire Wine Guide: France’s Most Diverse and Third Largest Wine Region

Sancerre is the most recognizable appellation for French Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire Valley. The region’s rolling limestone hills and semi-continental climate deliver richly textured wines Read More

X