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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château de la Rochefuret, located in Ballan-Miré (Indre-et-Loire), is a building whose central part, dating from the 17th century, was probably built by Nicolas Leroux, Mayor of Tours and Treasurer in the finance office in 1638. This primitive mansion, decorated with frontons symbolizing war and peace, bears Leroux's initials and emblems linked to Pierre Taschereau des Pictières, Grand Master of Royal Artillery. Its facades, characteristic of classical architecture, have been protected since 1948.

In the 19th century, two wings were added on both sides of the central pavilion, transforming the mansion into a larger castle. The estate frequently changed owners, passing into the hands of notables such as General William Lawless, botanist Narcisse Lesèble (Mayor of Ballan-Miré), or aristocratic families such as the Guyon de Montlibault and the Lary de Latour. In 1930 it was acquired by Régis de Chazal, whose descendants retained the property.

The castle played an ephemeral diplomatic role in welcoming the Argentine embassy in France from June 10 to 14, 1940, during the debacle. His history thus reflects both the architectural evolution of noble residences in Touraine and the political upheavals of his time. The protected elements include the facades and roofing of the central pavilion, which are evidence of its classical heritage and subsequent transformations.

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