Château de la Motte-Jean, 17th-century castle in Saint-Coulomb, France.
Château de la Motte-Jean is a 17th-century castle built upon medieval fortress foundations and displaying Louis XIII architectural features. Inside, a Renaissance staircase and massive granite fireplaces in the kitchen area showcase the craftsmanship of the period.
The castle was built in 1625 and initially belonged to the du Guesclin family before the Surcouf family took ownership in 1756. During the French Revolution, it served as a military hospital and became a meeting point for royalist supporters.
The chapel and the square dovecote are visible reminders of how people lived and worked on this estate. These structures show the rhythm of rural life centered around farming, prayer, and food production.
The grounds feature walking paths through landscaped parks, ponds, and gardens that invite leisurely exploration, though the inner courtyard is off-limits to visitors. Wear comfortable walking shoes and allow time to wander through the different sections at a relaxed pace.
The estate secretly harbored meetings of royalist supporters during the French Revolution when the nation was torn apart by upheaval. This covert role reveals a hidden chapter in the castle's past beyond its visible architecture and formal gardens.
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