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Chateau Plessis Bourre

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Visit Château du Plessis-Bourré in the Loire Valley. A stunning moated fortress with unique alchemical ceilings and 500 years of French history.

Chateau Plessis Bourre

Visit Château du Plessis-Bourré in the Loire Valley. A stunning moated fortress with unique alchemical ceilings and 500 years of French history.

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About Chateau Plessis Bourre

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Plessis-Bourré is a masterpiece of balance, situated at the perfect transition between a medieval fortress and a Renaissance palace. Built in just five years (1468-1473) by Jean Bourré, Louis XI's chief financier, it seems to float on its vast moat. Its defensive system is complete, with four corner towers and a double drawbridge still in working order, while its interior façades already hint at the refinement of the Renaissance. The castle's fame also stems from its alchemical ceiling: the wooden coffers of the guardroom are painted with mysterious symbols and satirical scenes. This "book of stone and wood" continues to fascinate historians of esotericism. The castle has also served as a natural backdrop for numerous cult films, such as Jacques Demy's Donkey Skin and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Tip for an even more exceptional visit.

This castle is particularly vibrant; before you go, be sure to check their events calendar. The estate regularly organizes candlelight evenings or themed days (Grand Siècle, fantasy) that radically transform the experience. For photography enthusiasts, the best vantage point is outside the walls, by walking all the way around the moat: the reflection of the facades in the perfectly still water at dawn creates a striking symmetrical mirror effect. Finally, don't hesitate to ask the guides about the secrets of alchemy hidden in the ceiling paintings; this is the most unique and fascinating aspect of the visit, one that could easily be overlooked without explanation.