The chateau at Le Grand-Pressigny
is an interesting place to visit as it not only has
architectural qualities and a pretty garden but it is also home
to the area's Museum of
Prehistory.
The
chateau's formidable
keep, built at the end
of XIIth
century was later enhanced by a strong defensive enclosure with
towers.
The impressive
ramparts surrounding the castle date from the 14th century. This was
timely as because of its location
between
the English and French conflictsit became a
strategic stronghold during the 100 Years War.
The duke
of Burgundy an ally of the English, seized the castle in 1417 but only held it
for a year before it was retaken for the French by the dolphin Charles, the
future Charles VII.
The chateau was restored around 1560 by Honorat de Savoie, a
loyal lord to the Kings of France. The arcaded gallery built
during the wars of religion around the main courtyard shows the
care devoted to this restoration.
Walking through its central arch you
can't help but get a feeling of times gone by.
