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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Hotel de la Maîtrise des eaux et forêts is a mansion located in Chinon, in Indre-et-Loire (Centre-Val de Loire). This monument illustrates the civil architecture of the 16th and 17th centuries, with a courtyard façade dating from the 16th century and a façade on 17th century street, the latter adorned with a corner turret in corbellation. The property also preserves remains of a 13th century house body, revealing an earlier occupation of the site.

The street façade, accompanied by its fence wall and entrance door, as well as the courtyard façade to the left of the entrance, were classified as historical monuments by order of 15 July 1920. Inside, the main house body dates from the first quarter of the 17th century, while elements such as an 18th-century fireplace and panelling, as well as murals depicting characters, testify to subsequent developments. A 16th century gallery remains in the first courtyard, and a scauguette offers a painted view of a tree alley.

The building thus blends various architectural styles, reflecting its evolution throughout the centuries. Its designation as a historic monument underscores its heritage importance, both for its architecture and for its history related to water and forest management under the Old Regime. The exact address, 82 rue Voltaire (or 82 Rue Haute Saint-Maurice depending on the sources), places this monument at the heart of the built heritage of Chinon, a city marked by its medieval and reborn past.

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