Château Magne, Second Empire château in Trélissac, France
Château Magne is a Second Empire mansion in Trélissac featuring a rectangular main building with two pavilions topped by polygonal towers at its north and west corners. The 10 acre (4 hectare) grounds incorporate remains of a medieval church and an earlier castle within a park setting.
The château was built between 1864 and 1869 by architect Bertelin under commission from Alfred Magne, son of Napoleon III's Finance Minister. It subsequently served as a retirement home until the 2000s, fulfilling the purpose set at its completion.
The name reflects the Magne family who shaped the estate in the 19th century. Visitors can explore the park-like surroundings that contain fragments from different periods.
The estate sits roughly 6 kilometers from Périgueux and can be viewed from the park, though interiors are not typically accessible as the building now functions as a residential complex. The grounds are walkable and offer several vantage points to observe the historic layout from outside.
The donor imposed an unusual condition: the building had to serve as a retirement home, a requirement maintained for over 130 years. This long-term functional constraint shaped its entire operational history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
