Château de Maulevrier

Château de Maulevrier is a brick castle with a U-shaped layout, consisting of a rectangular main building and two differently sized wings. The structure is surrounded by deep ditches and features a spiral staircase and a sixteenth-century gateway.

The estate originally belonged to Saint-Rigaud Abbey until 1300, when the Lespinasse family transformed it from a hunting lodge into a fortified house. During the French Revolution, the towers were partially destroyed and the right wing containing the chapel was demolished.

The name derives from the Maulevrier family, who ruled here for generations and shaped the estate. Visitors can still see the rooms that once hosted gatherings of local nobility.

The protected facades, roof, and foundations show the well-maintained condition of the building. Visitors should be prepared that some areas may have limited access due to the monument's protected status.

The two-wing design reflects how residents organized daily life and ceremonial functions in separate areas of the castle. Each wing served distinct purposes, with the larger one handling grander activities while the smaller supported domestic needs.

Location: Melay

GPS coordinates: 46.20720,3.99009

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:26