Château de Thoury, Medieval castle in Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre, France.
Château de Thoury is a medieval castle in Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre with an irregular pentagon shape and five corner towers connected by tall walls. The main entrance is guarded by two cone-roofed towers that stand out immediately.
The castle was built in the 15th century and later came under English control before being reclaimed by French lords. In the 16th century, the building underwent major renovations that reflected contemporary Italian influences.
The castle displays features of medieval military design, with defensive structures that show how it was meant to protect the area. Visitors can walk through and see how the layout would have helped people defend it.
The castle is open from April to October with guided tours in French, and the surrounding park is freely accessible throughout the season. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since exploring the grounds and interiors involves walking on uneven surfaces.
One of the medieval towers has been converted into a four-story residence with three bedrooms, allowing visitors to stay overnight within the castle walls. This conversion blends the place's history with modern comfort in an unexpected way.
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