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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château de Paviers, located in Crouzilles in Indre-et-Loire, is a building whose origins date back to the 15th century, with major enlargements in the 16th century. Initially conceived as a fortress, it underwent successive architectural changes, notably in the 17th century with the addition of a chapel, a dovecote and stables, while its defensive moats were partially filled. Its fortified entrance, characteristic with its mâchicoulis and turrets, was classified as a historic monument in 1962, reflecting its heritage importance.

Over the centuries, the castle changed hands, notably belonging to the family of Quinemont in the 18th and 19th centuries, including Arthur de Quinemont, mayor of Crouzilles from 1837 to 1849. The restorations of the 19th and 20th centuries, carried out by architects Charles Guérin and Marcel Rohard, transform certain defensive structures into living spaces, such as the ramp housing a billiard room. These works modernise the castle while preserving medieval elements, such as the cylindrical tower with radiant vaults.

The estate, surrounded by dry moat and accessible by a drawbridge, illustrates the evolution of castles in aristocratic residences. Its house body, flanked by three rectangular towers, and its east-facing courtyard reflect this duality between military function and comfort. In 2023, the castle gained international fame by serving as a setting for the series The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, highlighting its visual and historical appeal.

A former fiefdom of the Bouchard Island châtellenie from 1140, Paviers embodied nearly nine centuries of local history. Its architecture thus mixes traces of the Middle Ages (fortified gate, mâchicoulis) with Renaissance and classical additions (logis, chapel), while its recent restorations demonstrate an active desire for preservation. Partial listing as historic monuments in 1962 enshrines its heritage value, although only the fortified gate and its turrets are protected.

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