A Gallo-Roman fort existed by the 5th century, and Theobald I of Blois built the earliest known castle on the mount in the 10th century. Henry II of England rebuilt it in the 12th century, and most surviving remains date from his reign. He died there in 1189. Philip II of France captured it in 1205 and added the Fort du Coudray and its cylindrical keep.
The castle has three enclosures from east to west, each separated by a dry moat: Fort Saint-Georges, the Château du Milieu and the Fort du Coudray. It stands on a rocky outcrop above the Vienne, with stone quarried on site. The article gives no overall dimensions, and most interior buildings survive only as foundations.
It was abandoned after the 16th century, and Prosper Mérimée began repairs in 1834. A restoration from 2003 to 2010 cost 14.5 million euros and restored the royal lodgings and about 490 feet (150 m) of ramparts.
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