Château d'Oiron

Plaine-et-Vallées, France

The Château d'Oiron has its origins in the 15th century war with the English for control of France when a victorious Charles VII of France gave the domain and great forest of Oiron to Guillaume Gouffier who became governor of Touraine.

Guillaume Gouffier built a magnificent château and his offspring updated and improved it. In 1538, his daughter-in-law, Helene de Hengest, was responsible for the construction of a collegiate church adjacent to the château. In 1551, Henry II and his entire court were guests of Claude Gouffier who had been granted the title Marquis de Caravaz. Claude Gouffier served as the model for Charles Perrault's 'Marquis de Carabas' in his story, Puss in Boots.

Two generations later, another Gouffier was exiled from the king's court by Cardinal Richelieu in 1620. In the mid 17th century, Charlotte Gouffier became enamored with the renowned intellect, Blaise Pascal (1623–62), who spent considerable time at the Château d'Oiron. After Pascal died, Charlotte Gouffier married Francois d'Aubusson, the duc de La Feuillade, who enhanced the castle with his wealth and connections to Louis XIV. With the renovations, the castle ended up with a main building and two long projecting wings, one of which is a Renaissance structure built over a cloister. One of the galleries contains one of the most prestigious works of art from the French Renaissance period.

The Duc de La Feuillade's son sold the château to Louis XIV's mistress, Madame de Montespan who lived there for the rest of her life. Her son had little interest in the property as he preferred to be much closer to the royal court so in 1736 he sold the château to the Duc de Villeroi. After that, the château went into severe decline and in 1793 was ransacked by Revolutionaries. For many years the château lay abandoned until the government of France took possession just before World War II eventually converting it to a museum.

Recognized worldwide, the museum is dedicated to contemporary art.

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Details

Founded: 15th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Valois Dynasty and Hundred Year's War (France)

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Serge Kovacs (2 months ago)
Beautiful castle with very interesting art. Don't forget to pet the cat! Parking is big and just across the street
Georgina Fufa (2 months ago)
I loved the castle rooms without the furniture because you can appreciate the space, walls, floor and ceilings so much more. Many other castles have furniture. We basically had the place to ourselves which made it special too (I don't think it gets that busy during the week in September). However, I would agree with comments from others: 1) Where is the information about the rooms? There are leaflets available but they focus on the art in the rooms rather than going into more detail about the original space. 2) you've got to like contemporary art, but actually it didn't detract from the visit for me. 3) where is the information about the owners? There is some, but I think it could be better. In spite of that, definitely go. It's really worth it. They have picnic tables inside too.
AutoMoto Vanier (4 months ago)
A surreal place; so creatively executed and a unique twist on a traditional Chateau visit. Come with an open mind and a willing imagination. Worth the visit.
Tony FA FA (5 months ago)
Interesting venue, maybe could be better utilised, but intriguing nonetheless. As a disabled visitor it could have better layout. The long gravel approach is not conducive to wheelchair travel. On positive side staff were most helpful.
pathama petdes (9 months ago)
Mystery and big Chateau , worth it to visit and get away from other crowded châteaus.
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