Château de Mursay, Renaissance castle in Échiré, France
The Château de Mursay sits on the left bank of the Sèvre Niortaise River, positioned on an elevated terrace supported by pilings to protect it from flooding. The former military outpost was transformed into a residential castle between 1596 and 1613, retaining structural elements from its predecessor while gaining new architectural features.
The site originally held a military fortress called Coudray-Salbart before its transformation began. Poet Agrippa d'Aubigné oversaw the conversion into a residential manor from 1596 to 1613, adding refined architectural elements that reflected changing tastes of the period.
The tree-lined avenue on the grounds is named after King Henry IV's visit in 1576, marking a significant moment in the castle's social history. The lime trees lining this walkway have stood for over three centuries and remain central to how visitors experience the property today.
The castle is accessible to visitors through guided tours organized by the Friends of Château de Mursay association. Self-guided paths with information panels are also available, allowing visitors to explore the grounds at their own pace and learn about the site's history.
Sheep graze on the castle grounds to maintain the landscape naturally, a practical detail many visitors overlook. This approach keeps the vegetation in balance while adding to the rural character of the property.
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