When was the Château de la Forêt built?

The present castle dates from the 15th century, though the site has been occupied since at least the 13th century under the lordship of Jean de la Porte.

What remains of the medieval castle?

Three corner circular towers, two square turrets, a round turret and the southern moat are preserved. The spiral staircase and former chapel with ogival vaults are among the major original elements.

Why is the castle incomplete?

At the end of the 18th century, the eastern and southern wings and the entrance keep were demolished, and much of the moat was filled in.

Château de la Forêt

Forêt Castle

Thaumiers

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Thaumiers

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

This week in the agenda

Escape Game : Pour le meilleur et pour le pireFri, Nov 6 · château de Meauce33 km

Château de la Forêt stands in Thaumiers (Cher), in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 15th century, 18th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

Built in the 15th century in Thaumiers, this castle preserves the defensive structure of its period: four towers at the angles of a square enclosure, moats and drawbridge. Demolitions in the 18th century removed two wings and the entrance keep, but three circular towers and two turrets remain, remodelled during successive restorations. The site features a remarkable spiral staircase and a former chapel with ogival vaults.

What to know

Access to the courtyard of honour crosses a preserved southern moat and crosses a stone bridge.
The spiral staircase of the square turret and the staircase with its wrought iron railing are listed as historic monuments.
The castle's chapel, converted into a room on the ground floor of the round tower, retains its original ogival vaults.
The towers, enlarged with large windows in the 18th century, retain at their summit the small medieval openings and arrow slits.

Where this château is

Thaumiers · Cher · Centre-Val de Loire

Map of the area around Château de la Forêt

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

18210 Thaumiers

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00096912
Period of construction: 15th century, 18th century

Frequently asked

When was the Château de la Forêt built?: The present castle dates from the 15th century, though the site has been occupied since at least the 13th century under the lordship of Jean de la Porte.
What remains of the medieval castle?: Three corner circular towers, two square turrets, a round turret and the southern moat are preserved. The spiral staircase and former chapel with ogival vaults are among the major original elements.
Why is the castle incomplete?: At the end of the 18th century, the eastern and southern wings and the entrance keep were demolished, and much of the moat was filled in.