Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Burlande Castle, located in the municipality of Villiers (Indre), dates from the 15th century. Today, there are only fragmentary elements of this era: a poterne giving access to the old inner courtyard, a pigeon house with still visible cells, and a building bordering the moat, characterized by sill windows. These remains, though partial, evoke the defensive and seigneurial architecture typical of the late Middle Ages. The original well is also kept on site.

According to a local tradition, the castle would be the birthplace of Agnes Sorel, a major historical figure of the court of France in the 15th century. This statement, although often repeated, is more a legend than a verified historical source. The more recent buildings, added later, contrast with the medieval remains, highlighting the transformations of the site over the centuries.

Burlande Castle has been granted partial protection under the Historical Monuments since 1968, specifically concerning the ancient poterne. This official recognition attests to the heritage value of the remains, despite their fragmentary state. The location of the site, reported as approximate (level 6/10), suggests inaccuracies in the available geographic data, with an administrative address in Villiers but GPS coordinates pointing towards Mézières-en-Brenne.

The protected elements are limited to the poterne (cadastre F 19), inscribed by ministerial decree. No official information is provided on the accessibility of the site to the public, whether it be visits, room rental or accommodation. The available sources (Monumentum, Merimée base) also do not specify the current state of conservation of moat or other structures mentioned.

External links