Château de Verneuil-sur-Indre

Château de Verneuil-sur-Indre is a castle combining a medieval fortress foundation with an 18th-century classical structure, featuring grand staircases and well-preserved facades in both architectural styles. The site displays two distinct building periods alongside each other on the same property.

The Chaspoux family elevated the estate to a marquisate in 1746, leading architect Jean Mansart de Jouy to construct the classical castle between 1743 and 1756. This transformation occurred while the medieval structure remained, creating the dual ensemble that exists today.

The castle demonstrates how French country estates changed purpose over time, serving as an aristocratic residence and later as a horticultural school, reflecting shifting social roles.

The castle interior is not open to visitors, but the surrounding park provides walking paths and viewpoints to observe both the medieval and classical facades. Visitors can explore the exterior grounds to appreciate the architectural details of each period.

The medieval fortress survived the construction of the classical building beside it, creating a rare architectural pairing of two entirely different styles on one property. This side-by-side coexistence of medieval and classical designs is uncommonly preserved in France.