Château de la Rivière, Pontgouin, 17th-century castle in Pontgouin, France
Château de la Rivière is a 17th-century castle in Pontgouin built from grison stone, roussard stone, and bricks with a moat surrounding its structure. The building is defined by its functional layout, multiple stories, and classical French architecture of its period.
The castle was completed in 1645 under the direction of Chancellor d'Aligre and his son, who created a modern residence in French style. The d'Aligre family shaped the estate over generations and continually developed its features.
The castle shows how the d'Aligre family lived through its preserved rooms and furnishings that still reflect aristocratic daily life from the 1600s. The interior spaces reveal the habits and tastes of the people who occupied these rooms.
The interior can be seen with guided tours from June through September, while the exterior is also accessible on weekends during high season. Visitors should check ahead since conditions and opening times may vary depending on the season.
A water channel of about 600 meters was created by Etienne III d'Aligre and is flanked by a tree-lined walk that has remained unchanged since its original design. This quiet path offers insight into the family's garden planning methods.
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