When we checked out
Château
Gue-Pean
we and a
charming French couple were its only visitors that day
-- this is part of its charm -- not as an immediate choice
as its grandeur neighbours but if you are in the vicinity
you should drop in! Its design is a little different with
the inclusion of the tower with its bell-shaped roof -
similar to the grander
Chateau de Valencay
Gue-Pean is built on a the former
site of a Roman camp later to become a Middle-age stronghold
before its rise as the building you see today -- this like
many others had to rebuilt after the 'Hundred Years War'.
Once through the gate you are left to check out the private
chapel and the 'bell tower' on your own before being
given 'the tour' in French by your guide.The chapel is simple and serene and
gives the desired effect.
The tower is interesting in that
it contains World War 1 graffiti where USA soldiers have
left their mark --vandalism or History ? - judge for
yourself.
The views from the
tower are interesting and give you some idea of how life at
the chateau must have been like in its grandest times. Its
not hard to imagine the privileged classes parading in the
courtyard.
Inside is not overly
impressive and like most chateaux you only get to see part,
the library and lounges, of what's on offer as it is still
used as a private residence - currently we believe by Denis
Laming the designer of the
'Futuroscope'
theme park near
Poitier. It has been filled with general bric-a-brac and
non-matching pieces of furniture -- perhaps to make it more
interesting.
Rumour has it
that
this
is where King Francois I and Mary Queen of Scots would have
their clandestine meetings.
Open from 1st May to 30th
September: 10.30 am to 12.30 and from 2.00pm to 6.30pm.
