Design of the balance milieu du XIXe siècle (≈ 1950)
Created by Samain in Blois.
25 avril 2016
Registration historical monument
Registration historical monument 25 avril 2016 (≈ 2016)
Total protection of the balance and equipment.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The hydraulic balance in full with its equipment (plateaux, gallows), the intake to ensure its operation, the structure that houses and protects the balance (Box F 1252): inscription by order of 25 April 2016
Key figures
Gaston Andral - Owner of the castle
Beneficiary of the hydraulic system.
Royer-Collard - Conventional, Andral's stepfather
Family connection with the owner.
Origin and history
Châteauvieux's hydraulic balance, designed in the mid-19th century by Samain in Blois, is a remarkable historical monument. This ingenious system was used to supply drinking water to Gaston Andral Castle, 30 metres above ground level, without the use of an engine. Its mechanism, particularly well preserved, bears witness to the technical know-how of the time.
This balance is unique in the Centre-Val de Loire region. It has been fully preserved, including its equipment (plateaux, gallows) and the structure that houses it. Water intake, essential to its operation, is also protected. The ensemble was listed as a historical monument by order of 25 April 2016.
The monument is now owned by the commune of Châteauvieux. Although its exact location is approximate (113 Le Moulin Forêt), it remains a rare testimony of 19th century hydraulic innovations, linked to the water supply of the aristocratic residences of the time.
