Castle of Touffou
★★★★☆
The Castle of Touffou is a former medieval castle, later converted to a Renaissance mansion, located on a long tall bank of the River Vienne in the village of Bonnes.
History
The castle has two parts that were built in different styles. The East Wing or the Medieval Wing dates back to the 12th century and it consists of a keep with Romanesque and Gothic elements. This part was constructed for defensive purposes and it was used as an outpost during the Hundred Years War when the entire region was the scene of several battles between English and French troops.
The West Wing was originally constructed in the early 15th century but it was rebuilt in Renaissance style during the 16th century by the Chasteigner family. Two towers and the main Renaissance building were added and the rectangular keep was completely renovated. In the 17th century, the surrounding walls which linked the two buildings were demolished and the edifice was converted into a fashionable residence.
After the Chasteigner family sold the estate, it changed hands several times, until it was finally purchased by David Ogilvy in 1966. The Ogilvy family still owns the castle.
The castle today
Today, the castle is open to the public but it can also host business meetings and seminars. King Francis I's bedroom is named after the occasion when the King visited Touffou. The castle also displays a Hunting Museum, documenting the castle's hunting history; its impressive collection of over 1,500 hunting buttons is among the largest in France. The castle is surrounded by wonderful gardens.
History
The castle has two parts that were built in different styles. The East Wing or the Medieval Wing dates back to the 12th century and it consists of a keep with Romanesque and Gothic elements. This part was constructed for defensive purposes and it was used as an outpost during the Hundred Years War when the entire region was the scene of several battles between English and French troops.
The West Wing was originally constructed in the early 15th century but it was rebuilt in Renaissance style during the 16th century by the Chasteigner family. Two towers and the main Renaissance building were added and the rectangular keep was completely renovated. In the 17th century, the surrounding walls which linked the two buildings were demolished and the edifice was converted into a fashionable residence.
After the Chasteigner family sold the estate, it changed hands several times, until it was finally purchased by David Ogilvy in 1966. The Ogilvy family still owns the castle.
The castle today
Today, the castle is open to the public but it can also host business meetings and seminars. King Francis I's bedroom is named after the occasion when the King visited Touffou. The castle also displays a Hunting Museum, documenting the castle's hunting history; its impressive collection of over 1,500 hunting buttons is among the largest in France. The castle is surrounded by wonderful gardens.