Château de Sourches, Saint-Symphorien, France

The Château de Sourches is neoclassical château located in the commune of Saint-Symphorien, near Le Mans. The château was built between 1761 and 1786 for Louis II du Bouchet de Sourches, Marquis de Sourches, by the King's architect Gabriel de Lestrade with the help of the architect Jean-François Pradrel. It was inherited by Sourches' daughter-in-law, Louise-Élisabeth de Croÿ, Marquise de Tourzel (and future Duchess of Tourzel), Governess of the Children of France from July 1789, who took part in the flight to Varennes and was imprisoned at the Square du Temple with the royal family in August 1792 during the French Revolution. The château passed to the Pérusse des Cars family in 1845 who owned it until 1985.

In 2001, the château was bought by Hélène Martin and family, after which the château and the park were immediately reopened to the public. Major restoration work was undertaken with the help of the State, the Region and the Department. Many cultural and sporting events are organized there permanently, hunting festival, the first Sunday in July, agricultural shows, theater, cinema, concert, conferences.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Sara Foster (2 years ago)
A hidden gem! It was our first visit, but it won't be our last. Such a beautiful château with over 3200 types of peoeoni. They have a small café serving drinks and snacks, but we opted to take our own picnic. We were able to sit at a table, amongst the flowers, and enjoy our food. There is a small shop & they also sell peoeoni plants to take home. We also had a stroll through the cellar, which holds a display of replica artworks hidden there during the 2nd World War. I can highly recommend a visit during peoeoni season.

Jeanne Hubert (2 years ago)
Nice outing for a sunny afternoon! There is even a charming corner for a drink. Above all, you have to keep your tickets from one year to the next ? (Good to know dogs are not allowed in the middle of the peonies but it's good for them in all the rest of the park)

Emma stdg (2 years ago)
Visit in May during the annual opening to visit the Peony Garden An impressive collection with several hundred varieties in the moats of the castle and on the surroundings, very pleasant visit the estate is very well maintained ??? Possibility to come several times while keeping your ticket. Please note that it may be closed in case of bad weather check well before coming ;)

Vincent Van den Berge (5 years ago)
For a small fee the owners kindly welcomed us onto their land and gave us a detailed tour of the building. Beautiful location and extremely nice people!

Luca Battistini (6 years ago)
Location"Lady J"

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

Château de Sourches

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople