Origin and history
Oiron Castle, located in the commune of Plaine-et-Vallées in New Aquitaine, is an emblematic building of Renaissance and classical styles, mainly built by the Gouffier family. Ranked a historic monument in 1923 and registered in 1943, it became state property in 1946. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, where the seigneury belonged to local families such as the Oirons, before passing into the hands of the Thouars, then Amboises in the 14th century. The Gouffier family, notably Guillaume I, took possession of it in 1449 after judicial and political adventures related to the disgrace of Jean Barillet.
In the 16th century, the castle was crowned by Artus Gouffier, great master of France and close to François I, who welcomed the court there in 1518. His son, Claude Gouffier, great squire of France, radically transformed the medieval home into a Renaissance castle, adding a 55-metre painted gallery illustrating the Troy and Eneid War. This decoration, inspired by Italian models, makes Oiron one of the architectural jewels of the region. The gallery, with its fourteen mythological scenes, is one of the largest painted ensembles in France after Fontainebleau.
In the 17th century, Louis Gouffier, in exile in Oiron after supporting revolts against Louis XIII, undertook important works: construction of the King's pavilion, decorations painted by Jacques Despied and Charles Beaubrun, and an Amazon room decorated with paintings. Despite these beautifications, the Gouffier family is gradually losing its political influence. In 1667, the castle passed to the Aubusson by marriage, then was sold in 1700 to Madame de Montespan, favorite of Louis XIV, who made interior and exterior changes, such as adding a floor to the right tower for symmetry.
After Madame de Montespan's death in 1707, the castle changed hands several times, suffering looting and neglect, especially during the Revolution. In the 19th century, successive owners, such as the Fournier de Boisayrault family, tried partial restorations, but the monument deteriorated. In 1946, the State became the owner and engaged in important restoration campaigns, saving the Renaissance Gallery. Since 1993, the castle houses Curios & Mirabilia, a contemporary art collection inspired by the old cabinets of curiosities, reactivating the eclectic spirit of the Gouffier.
Today, Oiron Castle combines historical heritage and contemporary creation. Its Renaissance decorations, such as the painted gallery or the King's bedroom, interact with works by modern artists, offering an immersive experience to visitors. The park, renovated in 2005 by landscaper Pascal Cribier, and the historical stables, testify to his past as a hunting area and aristocratic residence. Integrated into the National Monuments Centre, it is the most visited site of the Deux-Sèvres, attracting by its unique blend of history and innovation.
The castle also served as a setting for audiovisual productions, such as the film Catherine de Medici (1988) or the show Secrets d'Histoire (2013 and 2019), consolidating her cultural fame. Successive restorations have preserved its major architectural elements, while integrating contemporary installations that make it a living place, anchored in its territory while looking to the future.
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