What is a dovecote with nesting boxes ?

It is a structure built to house pigeons. The nesting boxes (boulins) are small niches carved or fitted into walls where pigeons nested. Each cavity provided a breeding and rearing space for young pigeons.

Why does the Chiroux dovecote have so many nesting boxes ?

With 1,166 nesting boxes, this dovecote reflects the wealth and status of its owner. In medieval and early modern times, owning a well-stocked dovecote was a sign of power and seigneurial dominion over surrounding lands.

Can the castle be visited freely ?

The castle and its dovecote are listed as protected monuments since 1932 and 2010. Current visiting conditions are not specified; it is recommended to inquire with the town hall of Peyrat-la-Nonière.

Château du Chiroux

Chiroux Castle

Peyrat-la-Nonière

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Peyrat-la-Nonière

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Open within 20 km

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Château du Chiroux stands in Peyrat-la-Nonière (Creuse), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 15th century, 16th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

Château du Chiroux is a fortified structure from the 15th century, preserving a rectangular keep flanked by two corner turrets. Its most striking feature is a circular pigeon house standing ten metres high, built with rubble stone and topped by a conical tile roof. With 1,166 nesting boxes arranged in 23 rows, this dovecote ranks among the most significant in Limousin and reflects the aristocratic status of its former owners.

What to know

The site is located in Peyrat-la-Nonière, Creuse, and is listed as a protected monument.
The dovecote has two access doors: one on the first floor facing north opens to the keep, the other at ground level faces south.
A small opening oriented to the south-east allowed pigeons to fly out and remains visible in the building.
The structure, despite signs of deterioration, still retains its visible potence, evidence of its former function.

Where this château is

Peyrat-la-Nonière · Creuse · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château du Chiroux

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Peyrat-la-Nonière, Creuse

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

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00100127
Period of construction: 15th century, 16th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

What is a dovecote with nesting boxes ?: It is a structure built to house pigeons. The nesting boxes (boulins) are small niches carved or fitted into walls where pigeons nested. Each cavity provided a breeding and rearing space for young pigeons.
Why does the Chiroux dovecote have so many nesting boxes ?: With 1,166 nesting boxes, this dovecote reflects the wealth and status of its owner. In medieval and early modern times, owning a well-stocked dovecote was a sign of power and seigneurial dominion over surrounding lands.
Can the castle be visited freely ?: The castle and its dovecote are listed as protected monuments since 1932 and 2010. Current visiting conditions are not specified; it is recommended to inquire with the town hall of Peyrat-la-Nonière.