Château de Sourches, Classical château in Saint-Symphorien, France
Château de Sourches is a neoclassical estate with symmetrical stone facades and well-proportioned grounds located west of Le Mans. The property includes carefully maintained gardens, notably featuring a significant peony collection with multiple flowering varieties.
The château was constructed between 1761 and 1786 under architect Gabriel de Lestrade for the Marquis de Sourches. This neoclassical structure completed its development as a major aristocratic residence in the region.
During World War II, the château's cellars served as a refuge for artworks and furnishings from the Louvre and Palace of Versailles. Today, visitors can sense how this place became an important shelter for French cultural treasures during wartime.
The best time to visit is during May and June when the peony collection reaches its peak bloom. The garden paths are accessible on foot and allow for a leisurely exploration of the entire property.
In the 1950s, the estate was converted into a research center for animal nutrition, an unexpected transformation for a classical aristocratic residence. This shift showed how historic buildings adapted to serve modern scientific purposes.
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