Description
To the east of the city of Tours stands the Montpoupon Castle in the town of Cere-la-Ronde. Located in the heart of a forest, the Montpoupon Castle is classified in the list of historical monuments since 1966.
Montpoupon Castle, a heritage saved
The castle was named from the rocky promontory on which the germanic clan called the Poppo built it in the era of Charlemagne : the Mons Poppo. The Latinized term became Mons Puppum then Mons Pepon to reach its current name Montpoupon. The castle later became, through its geographical equidistant position, a high strategic place between the clan of Foulque Nerra residing in Loches and the clan of the Count of Blois living in Montrichard.
Marked by the Hundred Years War, the castle found a renewed emphasis under the leadership of the Lords of Requests and Buzançais 1460. However, at the end of the Renaissance the Royal Court left the Loire castles to Ile-de-France.
It was not until the 18th century and the Marquis Tristan, Mayor of Orleans and the new owner of the castle that once again the Montpoupon castle went back to life. Several renovations gave it back its splendor, saved during the French Revolution despite the destruction of the chapel.
During the 19th century, alterations and restorations took place. Farville, the new owner instigated them with the construction of the commons that we may still observe today. In 1857, the Montpoupon castle changed of ownership. At the beginning of the 20th century, Jean Baptiste de la Motte Saint Pierre tried to give a Renaissance style to the the castle.
Finally, more recently, the Earl of Louvencourt erected a museum, the Musée du Veneur, in the commons, a horse and hunting museum. The castle and its outbuildings were ranked on the list of historical monuments in 1930. It was not until 1966 that the facades and roofs of the gatehouse and the Dungeon joined them.
Montpoupon castle, architecture and gardens
From the architectural point of view some parts of the glorious past remain. The big tower called the Dungeon, a part of the walls and corner tower dating from the 13th century while the slate roof covering the tower was built in the 15th century. The stately home has openings warheads, a spiral staircase, mullioned windows and Gothic windows.
The double door is a postern Renaissance. The gatehouse consists of a two-levels square tower with two turrets. The round tower near the castle offers a wonderful walkway overlooking the green surroundings.
Since 2009 the park is decorated with a path retracing the life of the fauna and flora. This park is also an essential element of the visit of the castle : it is an artistic, historical, scientific, legendary and picturesque place.
In 2008, the current manager even redesigned the lawn garden based on a map from the late 19th century. This French garden surrounded by water has a wonderful view from the terrace since the castle is reflected in a glass of water.
Montpoupon castle, the Museum of Huntsman
Another asset of the Castle Montpoupon is its museum. With over 25 rooms filled with collections of objects depicting the life of a huntsman, the Museum is a key moment of the visit. The trail leads visitors into the daily practice of hunting with hounds. The variety of discoveries amazes people.
More timely, the castle hosts various exhibitions throughout the year and many events like flea markets, concerts, receptions, etc..
The Montpoupon castle remains an essential step of the Castles of the Loire, where discoveries, environments and walks will make you spend pleasant moments with friends and family.