Chateau Fougeres-sur-Bievre is in the small but charming village of the same name which lies
10km southwest of Cheverny in the department of Loir-et-Cher.
Although not on the 'A' list of Loire Valley chateaux it
is worth adding onto your itinerary when in the area visiting its
grander neighbours.
What you see today is castle that was rebuilt after its
predecessor was destroyed during the Hundred Years War (l'englais again!) and judging by the structure it looks as
if they were anticipating another! It was even better defended than
you see today as it would have had a moat, now filled in and
drawbridge.
It is a veritable fortress, turned tightly in on its internal
courtyard. After Cheverny you will find this a complete
contrast as the rooms are mainly devoid of any furniture or
decoration
You can however stroll freely about its many
corridors, rooms and spiral staircases, even clambering under the
roof or stroll along the guard's walk. It is easy to imagine
you have stepped back to another time.
The castle was purchased and restored by the
state in the 1930s and they have now designated it as an educational
chateau so there are interactive exhibits, children's activities and
a living garden with a small menagerie.- various exhibits
within the castle explain medieval building techniques. You'll need
fairly good French however to appreciate the detail.
From Janury 2nd
untlil May 8th
closed on
Tuesdays
Open
every day
from May to
September, :
9:30-12:30 and
14-18:30
from September
11 to May 7,
every day except
Tuesday :
10-12:30 and
14-17
Entry: under
17s free 18-25
3.5euros
all others 6
euros.
