Château du Max, Medieval castle in Le Theil, France.
Château du Max is a 15th-century castle located in the center of an enclosed courtyard with water-filled moats, featuring a round tower and main residence. Inside, it preserves a medieval kitchen with a vaulted ceiling supported by massive columns and a main hall with a monumental fireplace.
First mentioned in the 13th century under the Dukes of Bourbon, the castle later passed to the Rolland brothers before Jacques de Gouzolles acquired it in 1528. The Gouzolles family left lasting architectural marks through their modifications and additions over the following centuries.
A chapel inside was built by descendants of the Gouzolles family as a memorial to a family member, showing how personal stories shaped the building itself. Visitors can walk through these spaces today and sense the private history embedded in the walls.
The castle hosts interactive activities including escape games, treasure hunts, and murder mystery events organized by the Friends of Château du Max association. Check ahead for current offerings to plan your visit around these experiences.
The name derives from Max, a miller who once worked the water-powered operations on the estate for generations. This connection to working life appears in the preserved details of the original kitchen and service areas.
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