Early construction XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Initial building with round and moat towers.
XVIIe siècle
Major developments
Major developments XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
Mansart roof, perron and ironwork.
18 juin 1968
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 18 juin 1968 (≈ 1968)
Protection of facades, roofs and moats.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Fronts and roofs of the castle; Court of Honour; moat (cad. B 216, 217): registration by order of 18 June 1968
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
The source text does not mention any names.
Origin and history
The Château de la Mothe, located in Saint-Lyé-la-Forêt, finds its origins in the 16th century, with a primitive construction which is still evidenced by the two round towers surrounding the north facade. The building, built in stone, is organized around a court of honour girdled with moat, typical of the seigneurial residences of the period. The central body, accessible by a porch, includes a basement floor, a ground floor dedicated to reception rooms, and a first floor under a Mansart roof, characteristic of the seventeenth century.
The interior elements, such as the 18th-century woodwork, the open fireplaces of the living and dining room, and the painted hazes, reflect developments after the initial construction. The tower is home to a staircase, vestige of original architecture, while the entrance gate and balustrade of the wrought iron porch date from the seventeenth century. These details illustrate the evolution of the castle, between medieval heritage and classical embellishments.
Ranked a historic monument since 1968, the castle of La Mothe protects its facades, roofs, courtyard and moat, highlighting its heritage importance. Its exact address, 616 Route d'Artenay, and its Insee code (45289) place it in the Loiret, in the region Centre-Val de Loire. The lack of details on its current access (visits, rentals) leaves a mystery about its contemporary use.