It is built on a rocky outcrop, overlooking the village of Taillebourg and the valley of the river Charente, in the Charente-Maritime department of France.

The previous castle on the site was shelter for Louis VII of France and Eleanor of Aquitaine on the day after their wedding, in July 1137.

After their rebellion failed, Henry II assigned Richard to bring the rebellious lords of Aquitaine to heel.

On May 8, Richard burned the surrounding fields and vineyards in order to bait the burghers defending the town walls into sallying out.

The Château de Taillebourg ruins have today been converted to a public garden where visitors can admire the 18th-century battlements and the underground rooms of the old castle.