Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de la Farinière, located in Cinq-Mars-la-Pile (Indre-et-Loire), has its origins before 1600, with a first stone laid before that date. The second part of the central house body was built after 1640, followed by a major expansion phase between 1641 and 1654, including the West and East pavilions and the strengthening of the walls. This castle, initially a small seigneury, was successively owned by the families Sain de Bois-le-Comte (17th century), Taschereau de Pictières, then Duvau (18th century).

In 1730, under the leadership of Césard Taschereau de Pictières, Marshal of the King's armies, important works were carried out: recasting of the structure of the central body, creation of additional openings, and construction of two external stone staircases linking the terrace to the court of honor. Taschereau also favoured the cultivation of white mulberry for silkworm breeding, marking local economic history. The current mansion, probably built by this family, dominates a park with centuries-old trees.

Ranked a historic monument in 1946 for its facades and roofs, the castle underwent major restorations in the twentieth century, completed in 1955. Despite later looting of its hazes and ice creams, its park was rehabilitated, incorporating artistic mosaics and thematic gardens (rose grove, vegetable garden, Mediterranean garden). Today, private and non-visitable, the site combines architectural and natural heritage, with ceramic workshops offered in summer.

The recently opened international mosaic garden is part of the Touraine Gardens network, mixing art and nature. The owners have recreated various atmospheres, transforming old wasteland into bucolic spaces where artists' works and biodiversity coexist. The stone double staircase, the courtyard of honour and the symmetrical pavilions highlight the harmony of this 17th century home, a witness to local history and the evolution of landscape tastes.

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