Château de Villaines, Classical castle in Louplande, France.
Château de Villaines is a classical castle in Louplande with distinctive high slate roofs and a spacious layout. The main buildings are surrounded by gardens and contain reception rooms on the ground floor, set within a landscaped setting.
The castle was built in the 17th century on the foundations of a 12th-century fortress. Significant changes came when the Marquis d'Aux acquired and modified the property in 1776.
The castle appears in Honoré de Balzac's novel "Madame Firmiani" as the property of the character Octave de Camps. This literary connection has given the place a special role in French cultural memory.
The estate is open to visitors during specific months, with visits varying by season. It is wise to check ahead for current visiting conditions, as tours are only available during certain periods.
During World War I, the castle was used as a training center for American military chaplains. This unexpected wartime role shows how the property served purposes far beyond its original function as a noble residence.
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