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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The château de la Queuvre, located in Ferolles in the Loiret department, is a building built between 1515 and 1520, during the 2nd quarter of the 16th century. It originally belonged to Aignan de Saint-Mesmin, then was owned by the Phelypeaux de la Vrillère between 1700 and 1725. The castle served as a hunting appointment for the Duke of Penthièvre, residing in Châteauneuf-sur-Loire. His history was marked by the visit of King Louis XIV in 1659, on his journey to the Pyrenees for his marriage to Marie-Thérèse of Austria.

Originally, the castle was located in the former commune of La Queuvre, merged with Ferolles in 1818. A nearby church, Saint-Gauld-et-Sainte-Emerance, destroyed in 1838, left remains discovered during excavations in 1858. The estate also preserves a dovecote of the 16th century and traces of ditches. The castle, today a private farm, has been listed as historical monuments since January 12, 1931.

The site, located along the Ousson and close to the departmental road 951, is integrated into the great hiking trail of the valley of kings. Although classified, it is not accessible to the public. Its architecture and history reflect the importance of seigneurial residences in the Loire Valley, an area marked by the presence of castles and cynegetic activities linked to the aristocracy.

Protected elements include the castle itself, as well as remains such as ditches and dovecote. Louis' gun-tacked fireplace bears witness to the changes made in the 18th century. Despite its current state of farm, the castle remains a significant example of Loiret's architectural and historical heritage.

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