Château de la Guignardière, Renaissance castle in Avrillé, France.
Château de la Guignardière is a granite fortress in Avrillé with steep slate roofing and prominent red-brick chimneys that rise above the structure. Its thick stone walls and original oak timber framework give it a solid appearance that has endured for centuries.
Construction started in 1555 for Jean Girard, breadmaster to King Henri II, but ceased in 1563 following his assassination. This interruption shaped the building's completion story for generations afterward.
The castle exhibits French Renaissance architecture through its grand granite fireplaces, influenced by Italian architect Sebastiano Serlio's designs point.
Interactive tours use smartphones or tablets to guide visitors through rooms while solving puzzles and uncovering historical details. These digital tools help make exploration more engaging and self-paced throughout the visit.
Former French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau rented a small house on the grounds and frequently dined with owner Amedée Luce de Tremont. This connection brought a prominent historical figure into the castle's social life.
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