Château de la Roche-Racan, château à Saint-Paterne-Racan (Indre-et-Loire)
The Château de la Roche-Racan is a castle in Saint-Paterne-Racan in the Centre-Val de Loire region, built in 1636 as a lordly residence with connected pavilions. Today the main surviving elements are the western wing and portions of the original central building with a polygonal corner tower, while the eastern pavilion and two-thirds of the central sections have been lost.
The castle was built in 1636 by Honorat de Bueil and remained in the family's possession for approximately 110 years before being sold in 1745 to Michel-Roland des Escotais. The French Revolution caused substantial damage, as the building was sold as national property and partially demolished.
The castle was deeply tied to the Bueil family, who used it as their principal residence and seat of power. The poet Honorat de Bueil, who commissioned the building, shaped the cultural identity of the place and the family's presence influenced the area for generations.
The castle is private property but can be visited upon request, usually from July to August or during special heritage events. Larger groups can arrange visits at other times of the year with advance notice.
A carved shell ornament is embedded in the stone wall, hinting at a former dining room or kitchen space. Such decorative details reveal the craftsmanship that went into the building and provide clues about the function of the original rooms.
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