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The history of the area is reflected in many ways and one of them is architectural. The large castles and historical houses built between the X and X111 centuries serve as reminders of the exquisite work done by the masons of Creuse. There are very few large towns in the region but in every village there remain examples of abbeys and churches with stained glass windows and wrought iron alter pieces that are their legacy. Below are just a few of the chateaux in the region, which you can visit. |
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Le Chateau de Boussac Century X11 – XV
Without doubt, the best known of all the chateaux in the area. Overlooking the town of Boussac, the castle has a rather austere appearance and it is now privately owned. For more information telephone 0033(0) 555 65 07 62
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Le Chateau du Théret Century XV – XV1
Situated in the commune of La Sauniere the chateau dominates the valley. For more information telephone 0033(0) 555521429
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Le Chateau de Mazeau Century XV1
A classic historical monument from the sixteenth century Chateau de Mazeau is a perfect example of a fairytale castle set amidst the unspoilt countryside of the Haute Vienne. The building is open to the public, telephone 0033(0) 555 69 68 94 for full details. Whilst there visit the collection of prestigious motor cars including Aston Martins, Lincolns and De Tomaso.
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Le Domaine de Banizette Century XV – XV11
This is the only remaining perfect example of a rural community of seven buildings, dating from the 15th century, perfectly preserved complete with the traditional tools of the day including the clog – maker’s and the blacksmith. The seven buildings, which are of a very high architectural quality, include a mill, dovecote, bread oven, pigsty, henhouse, cowshed and stable with ancient cobblestones and all built around the manor house. Step back in time as you explore the gardens with the millpond, the bridge and the well and inside the Great farmhouse with its vast granary and spiral staircase.
For more information contact Domaine de Banizette telephone number 0033(0) 555 83 28 55
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FURTHER CHATEAUS OF INTEREST
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Les Ruines de Crozant, Century X – X111
Telephone 0033(0) 555 89 80 12
In the valley of the impressionist painters, at the confluence of the Creuse and the Sédelle, lie the ruins of an ancient feudal castle.
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La Tour de Bridiers, La Souterraine Century X111 – XV
Telephone 0033(0) 555 63 10 06
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Le Chateau de Sainte – Feyre Century XV111
Telephone 0033(0) 555 81 15 52
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Le Chateau de Chantemille, Ahun Century XV – XV1
Telephone 0033(0) 555 62 33 67
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Le Chateau de Villemonteix, Chénérailles Century XV
Telephone 0033(0) 555 62 33 92
Classic fifteenth century listed building typical of fortresses found at the end of the Middle Ages and retaining most of its original features having been discreetly modernised in the eighteenth century. Lived in and furnished, you can admire a collection of sixteenth and eighteenth Century tapestries and the furniture of the era adorned with original pieces, from the double piano of Béatrice de Camondo to the pierced Louis Quinze chair with its water flushing system. The chateau is open from April to the 1st of November with guided tours costing 5,50 euros for adults and 3,00 euros for children between eight and fifteen years. Children under eight are free.
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Les tours de Crocq Century X11
Telephone 0033(0) 555 67 42 36
Remains of a fortified castle of the Counts of Auvergne with superb panoramic views of the Auvergne’s volcanoes, the "Plateau de Millevaches" and the "Combrailles" Open May to September, entry 2,00 euros
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Le Chateau d’Arfeuille, Felletin Century X11- XV- XV111
Telephone 0033(0) 555 66 40 40
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Les Maisons des Chevaliers, Pallier, Gentioux Century XV111
Telephone 0033(0) 555 67 91 73
A medieval group of buildings including the Knight’s House, a Templers chapel, a garden with a maze and a listed building.
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