Château d'Oiron

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Adults 18 and over

Children From 2 to 17 y.o.

Infants Less than 2 y.o.

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This magnificent château built in the 16th and 17th centuries and situated in a beautiful leafy setting is an absolute must see attraction in northern Deux-Sèvres. As you walk up the main drive, the château appears in all its splendour, taking you back to the era when the Gouffier family was given the land at Oiron in 1449 by Charles VII. Madame de Montespan, Louis XIV’s favourite mistress bought it in 1700, followed by a string of different owners until the State took over the château in 1943.

Inside this architectural gem, contemporary art blends harmoniously with the ancient heritage of the listed historic building. It is a lovely place for a family cultural visit. Guided tours are available by prior arrangement. If you prefer an unguided visit, information documents are available in French, English, Spanish, Dutch and German.

Château d'Oiron a series of works of art

château Oiron crédit Philippe WALL — Claude Gouffier, Chief Equerry of François 1 and Henri II, had a long gallery painted with scenes from the Trojan War and Virgil’s Aeneid (70 – 19 BC). A walk through the gallery is fascinating both from the detail of engravings around the fireplace and the scenes representing the entrance to Hell.

The central theme of the visit is a succession of works of art. Take, for example, the ‘Repas des Oironnais’ by Raoul Marek depicting 150 inhabitants of the village on a plate. The work comes to life every year during an annual meal when the artist invites the villagers to share a meal. The visit is fascinating and full of curiosities like the twelve « Corps en morceaux » by Daniel Spoerri in the Salle d'Armes or the Curios & Mirabilia collection. But we will leave you to discover the secrets of this remarkable place for yourself !

Take time to stop at the Art and History town of Thouars and stroll through the medieval district of Saint-Médard with its half-timbered houses and narrow streets. Walk down to the Pont des Chouans bridge to admire the Château des Ducs de la Trémoïlle overlooking the River Thouet. Try some local wine - the area has some unique grape varieties ! For families seeking fun and thrills, we recommend the Parc d’Attraction de la Vallée at Massais.

An inhabitant of Thouars shares a recent experience « As a primary school pupil in the 1990s, I remember being very impressed by the contemporary art works at the Château d’Oiron. I went back to visit this heritage gem and to admire it from an adult point of view. The unusual aspect of the château makes visiting it an unforgettable experience !».

How to get to Château d’Oiron by road :

From Saumur : N147 towards Parthenay, then D938 to Thouars, followed by D37 and D64.

From Poitiers : N147 to Loudun, then D759 to Thouars and D64.

From Tours : D751 to Loudun, D759 to Thouars and D64

Discover Deux-Sèvres with Gites de France Deux-Sèvres : Boat trips on the Marais Poitevin, Royal Abbey of Celles-sur-Belle , Marais Poitevin Regional National Park"