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Origin and history

The castle of the Archbishops of Artannes-sur-Indre, located in the centre of Artannes, on the right bank of Indre, dates mainly from the second half of the 15th century, with major transformations in the 19th century. Oriented northwest/southeast, its main façade dominates the river by only three meters. A building connects its north wing to the bedside of the nearby Saint-Maurice church, creating a coherent architectural ensemble. Originally, the estate depended on the king via the Castle of Tours, before being raised in barony in 1180 by Henry II Plantagenet. The archbishops of Tours acquired it at least as early as 1426, establishing a marina. Two of them died there: Hélie de Bourdeilles (1494) and Christophe de Brillac (1520), whose coats of arms remained on the doors.

At the French Revolution, the castle was confiscated as much as the clergy and sold in 1795 (year III). He was bought by Charles Lefèbvre, former mayor of Artannes, whose son made the moat fill and build communes at their location. The facades and roofs are classified as Historical Monuments in 1949, preserving a building marked by its medieval plan (cylindrical towers, southern chapel) and its 19th century developments (modernized bays, inverted boat hull structure). The porch linking the castle to the church, adorned with the arms of Helie de Bourdeilles, bears witness to its historical link with the ecclesiastical power.

The present building, although very restored, preserves elements of the 15th century: a house body on one floor and high, flanked by two towers (on the three originals visible on the cadastre of 1821). The moat, partially filled in the 15th century, disappeared entirely in the 19th century. The south chapel, now decommissioned, and the north wing in return from square complete this castle both episcopal residence, symbol of power, and witness of revolutionary upheavals.

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