Logis de la Vergne, maison de Maria Casarès
The Logis de la Vergne is a historic country house in Alloue with origins dating to the 15th century and alterations continuing into the 17th century, featuring a central courtyard surrounded by buildings and a tower. The grounds span about 5 hectares with mature trees and small islands that trace the outline of former moats, which were filled in around 1930 to adapt the estate for modern use.
The building emerged between the 15th and 17th centuries as a residence of noble families including the Guyots and later the Loyseau de Grandmaison family. In the 20th century it passed to actress Maria Casarès, who bequeathed it to the town of Alloue upon her death in 1996, transforming it into a cultural center hosting theater festivals.
The house bears the name of actress Maria Casarès, a Spanish-born performer who purchased the estate in 1961 as a personal retreat from her theatrical career. Today it functions as a gathering place for artists and audiences, hosting summer theater festivals and cultural events that connect people through creative expression.
The estate welcomes visitors interested in exploring the grounds and central courtyard, though the interior rooms are not regularly open to the public. Visiting is most rewarding during the summer theater festival season when the gardens and buildings are actively in use.
The name Vergne derives from alder trees that grow in damp locations and still stand on the grounds today, reflecting the connection between the estate and its natural setting. This botanical naming reveals how early inhabitants understood their landscape and named their homes accordingly.
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