Château de Thuillières, Castle in Thuillières, France
Château de Thuillières is a manor castle with a rectangular structure and a prominent triangular pediment on its facade, facing both the courtyard and the surrounding village. The building rises across multiple stories with regularly spaced windows and a tile roof characteristic of the region, displaying refined proportions typical of 18th-century French architecture.
The castle originates from a structure founded by Simon de Thuillières in 1328, but its current form emerged after 1722 when architect Germain Boffrand undertook a major reconstruction. This transformation by Boffrand gave the castle its classical French architectural character that survives to this day.
The castle houses a museum dedicated to actress Ève Lavallière, displaying theatrical costumes, letters, and personal belongings that reflect her life on stage and her spiritual journey. Visitors walk through rooms connected to her story and can see how she lived during her time here.
The castle is open to visitors during specific periods of the year, and it is wise to check opening times in advance as they vary seasonally. Its location near the village makes it easily accessible, and visitors should allow time to explore the interior rooms and the museum exhibits at a leisurely pace.
Inside the castle lies an impressive architectural secret: an 18th-century dovecot cleverly built within a medieval tower from the 14th century. This structure contains hundreds of nesting spaces arranged in carefully designed rows, with a rotating staircase that allowed caretakers to collect eggs and maintain the birds without disturbing the entire flock.
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