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Origin and history

The Château de la Michelinière, located in Azay-sur-Cher (Indre-et-Loire), is a quadrangular manor house dating back to the middle of the 15th century. It was the seat of a fief dependent on Amboise and stands out for its facade adorned with a pilaster Renaissance door, framed by two pepper turrets. Originally, the estate belonged to the Source family (Jean, Daniel, André, Antoine), then passed into the hands of Louise Mignot, widow of Antoine Source, in 1541. The following owners, such as François Huré (1548) or François Sevin (1578), marked his history until the 18th century, where he was held by families such as the Forget or the Petiot de Laluisant.

The castle preserves remarkable architectural elements, including a historic kitchen with bread ovens and pastry, as well as an old magnanerie. A 19th century sundial, engraved with coat of arms, completes the remains. The main building, extended by wings of communes, illustrates the evolution of a medieval mansion to a Renaissance residence. The entrance gate, classified as a historical monument in 1947, bears witness to its past prestige, linked to its status as a fief of the seigneury of Amboise.

The written sources emphasize its role in the local feudal hierarchy, while revealing its adaptation to domestic and agricultural needs (furnace, magnanerie). Although partially protected, the castle remains a characteristic example of the small peat seigneuries, mixing residential, economic and symbolic functions. Its history reflects the social changes of the Ancien Régime, from noble families to royal officers such as François-Olivier d'Hemery, artillery captain in the 18th century.

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