Château du Bouilh

Château du Bouilh is a neoclassical castle with a semicircular layout featuring two residential wings connected by a central gallery across multiple floors. The building includes an octagonal water tower and underground cellars with natural stone supports throughout the estate.

Architect Victor Louis began construction in 1786 for Jean-Frédéric de la Tour du Pin-Gouvernet, but the project halted in 1789 when the owner became Minister of War. The building work never resumed and remained frozen in its incomplete state.

The circular dovecote with its numerous hutches shows how important pigeon-keeping was for French noble families who had the legal right to maintain such facilities. This practice was a visible marker of wealth and authority on country estates.

The estate covers a large area of grounds with landscaped parks and is accessible from Bordeaux. Visitors should allow time to explore the exterior grounds and gardens, as there is much to see around the property.

The castle was intentionally left incomplete with only two-thirds of the original plan executed, creating an asymmetrical structure. This incompleteness serves as a physical record of the disruption caused by the political events of the era.

Location: Saint-André-de-Cubzac

Architects: Victor Louis

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Website: http://chateaudubouilh.jimdo.com

GPS coordinates: 45.00923,-0.45571

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:47