Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Villesavin was built between 1527 and 1537 by John Breton, secretary of finance of Francis I, on land offered by the king. Nicknamed "Chambord's work cabin", he served as a residence at Le Breton, which was responsible for supervising the work of the nearby royal castle. The architecture, inspired by Italian villas, includes stylistic elements of Chambord, with a central body on one floor and square pavilions replacing the round towers.

In the 17th century, Jean Pélippeaux, adviser to Henry IV, commissioned work, including paintings of the ceiling of the chapel. The following centuries saw minor changes, such as the removal of moat in the 19th century by Auguste la Pallu, which added a loggia and transformed windows into windows. The estate, still privately owned (3rd generation today), now houses a unique marriage museum in the world, a collection of 19th century hippomobile cars, and a mini-educational farm.

Ranked a Historic Monument in 1928, 1952 and 1959, the castle is distinguished by its marble basin of Carrara (16th century) in the courtyard of honour, its stables transformed into a museum, and its gardens open to the public. Guided tours allow you to discover the interiors (guard rooms, kitchen, living rooms), while the chapel, with painted vaults, and the dovecote of the sixteenth century bear witness to its rich past.

The site, open from March to November, also offers educational activities for children, such as the mini-farm created in 2009 with local animals (baudets du Poitou, goats). Close to Blois (17 km) and Chambord (9 km), Villesavin illustrates the influence of the Italian Renaissance in the Loire Valley, while maintaining an agricultural and family vocation.

External links