Can you visit the interior of the château des ducs de La Trémoille?

The interior is not open to visitors since the main building now houses a public secondary school.

Who built the château as it stands today?

Marie de La Tour d'Auvergne, wife of Henri III de La Trémoille, had the current château built in the 17th century, following the advice of architect Jacques Lemercier.

Was the château used as a prison?

Yes, it was used to imprison Communards from 1871 and continued serving this purpose until 1925.

Can the château's chapel be visited?

Mass is regularly celebrated there, which allows access on certain occasions.

Château de Thouars

Thouars

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Where: Thouars

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Exposition - Oscar Bernaud et Nathaël AyraultMon, Nov 9 · château de Sanzay17 km

Château des ducs de La Trémoille stands in Thouars (Deux-Sèvres), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 17th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

The château of the Dukes of La Trémoille stands on a promontory overlooking a bend of the Thouet river, a site fortified since the early Middle Ages. What visitors see today dates mainly from the 17th century: a facade over a hundred metres long, austere and unadorned, commissioned by Marie de La Tour d'Auvergne and built on the advice of architect Jacques Lemercier. The chapel is older, dating from the early 16th century and founded by Gabrielle de Bourbon. The building later served many purposes, from prison to school, which shape its present condition.

Written from Château des Ducs de La Trémoille

What to know

The main building now houses a public secondary school, which limits access to the interior.
The main courtyard currently has no particular use.
Mass is still celebrated in the adjoining collegiate chapel.
The château has been a listed historic monument since 1862.
The visit is mainly about the exterior architecture and the setting above the Thouet river.

Where this château is

Thouars · Deux-Sèvres · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château des ducs de La Trémoille

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Thouars, Deux-Sèvres

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

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00101378
Period of construction: 17th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Can you visit the interior of the château des ducs de La Trémoille?: The interior is not open to visitors since the main building now houses a public secondary school.
Who built the château as it stands today?: Marie de La Tour d'Auvergne, wife of Henri III de La Trémoille, had the current château built in the 17th century, following the advice of architect Jacques Lemercier.
Was the château used as a prison?: Yes, it was used to imprison Communards from 1871 and continued serving this purpose until 1925.
Can the château's chapel be visited?: Mass is regularly celebrated there, which allows access on certain occasions.