Can you visit the Château de Plaincourault?

No, only the neighbouring chapel, independent of the château, is open to visitors.

How old are the frescoes in the chapel?

They were painted in several stages from the late 12th century to the 15th century.

Why is the chapel's spire missing?

It was destroyed during the French Revolution.

Who built the chapel of Plaincourault?

It was built for the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem, who held a commandery there.

Plaincourault Castle

Mérigny

Access

Not open to visitors

Privately owned, not open to visitors.

Source: Parc naturel régional de la Brenne, courriel du 20 septembre 2026

Where: Mérigny

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Château de Plaincourault stands in Mérigny (Indre), in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 12th century, 15th century). The building is not open to visitors.

In Mérigny, in the Indre department, the chapel of Plaincourault stands apart from the château that gave it its name, a château that cannot be visited. Built at the end of the 12th century for the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem, it still holds wall paintings executed between the 12th and 15th centuries, which are its main draw. Beneath a pointed barrel vault, visitors can make out a Christ in majesty surrounded by the four Evangelist symbols, a crucifixion, Adam and Eve, and, tucked into the vault, a fox playing the violin before a rooster.

What to know

Only the chapel, listed as a historic monument since 1944, is of interest to visitors, as the château itself is not open to the public.
The building is complete apart from its Poitevin-style spire, which was destroyed during the Revolution.
The frescoes cover the nave, choir and apse and were painted in several phases between the 12th and 15th centuries.
As no opening hours or admission fees are confirmed, it is advisable to check with the Mérigny town hall before visiting.

Practical information

Opening hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday (today)	Closed
Friday	Closed
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	14:30-18:30

Opening hours published by the château on its Google listing. We have not yet confirmed them on its official website.

Visit duration: Not verified
Wheelchair access: Not verified
Dogs: Not verified
Parking: Not verified

Where this château is

Mérigny · Indre · Centre-Val de Loire

Map of the area around Château de Plaincourault

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

36220 Mérigny

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

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Château phone number

+33 2 54 37 42 71

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The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

3.9 / 5from 7 Google reviews

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00097393
Period of construction: 12th century, 15th century

Frequently asked

Can you visit the Château de Plaincourault?: No, only the neighbouring chapel, independent of the château, is open to visitors.
How old are the frescoes in the chapel?: They were painted in several stages from the late 12th century to the 15th century.
Why is the chapel's spire missing?: It was destroyed during the French Revolution.
Who built the chapel of Plaincourault?: It was built for the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem, who held a commandery there.