Origin and history
The castle of Boussay, located in the department of Indre-et-Loire in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is a former chestnut tree in the Barony of Preuilly. Its origins date back to at least the 12th century, with the first known lord, Renaud de Payen, mentioned in 1190. The estate then moved to the Menou family by alliance in the 14th century, then to the Becdelièvre, still by female heritage, without ever having been sold. This castle illustrates the architectural evolution of medieval fortresses in pleasant residences, with defensive elements of the 15th century still visible, like a mâchicoulis tower adorned with threaded archatures.
In the 16th century, the castle consisted of four houses surrounding a central courtyard, protected by moat and a drawbridge. In the 17th century, major transformations took place: the north wing was rebuilt with a cylindrical tower and a square tower with machicolis, while the south and west wings were partially removed. The drawbridge is replaced by a dormant bridge, marking the transition to a residential vocation. The wing, on the other hand, was entirely rebuilt in the 18th century in a Louis XV style, with a pavilion extending all the way south.
The communes, flanked by two round towers, define a forecourt east of the castle. The estate also includes an 18th-century chapel, a dovecote, a cooler, and an alley of century-old linden trees, partially shot down in 1991. The central round tower, redesigned in the 20th century, regained its original appearance after unfortunate modifications of the 19th century. The castle, still privately owned by Becdelièvre's family, has been listed as historic monuments since 1957 for its remarkable facades, roofs, moats and interior elements.
The castle park, open to the public, is part of a territory marked by a strong forest presence (1,107 hectares of wood, including the Boussay park and the Vaux wood). The commune, crossed by the Claise River, also preserves ancient remains, like a Roman theatre now gone, and a protohistoric tumulus. The castle played a central role in local history, especially during the Hundred Years War, with legends evoking undergrounds linking the estate to the hamlet of Varton, occupied by the English.
Among the notable figures related to the castle, Jacques de Menou de Boussay (1750–10), Count of Boussay, distinguished himself as a member of the nobility in the general states of 1789 and general of the revolutionary and Napoleonic armies. His commitment to Egypt alongside Bonaparte and his military career illustrate the influence of this family. Other figures, such as lay teacher Lucien Dechêne or painter Jean Dufy, who lived in the neighbouring hamlet of La Boissière, also marked local history.
Finally, the castle and its park bear witness to the social and architectural changes of the Touraine, between the Middle Ages and the modern era. Ranked as a natural area of ecological interest (ZNIEFF) for its pond of Chantemerle, the estate is part of a preserved rural landscape, with mixed built heritage, historical memory and biodiversity. The moat, still in water, and linden lanes recall the symbolic and landscape importance of this site, a reflection of the large towering houses.
Announcements
Please log in to post a review