Château de Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet

The origins of the Château de Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet lie in the 11th century, when Drogon, the first known lord of the area, had an initial castle built. In 1278, the lords of Dercé took over the complex and expanded it with a striking, four-story keep. This tower, which once housed archives and treasures, even served as a prison for the French King John II the Good after the Battle of Poitiers in the 14th century and also hosted the Black Prince. In 1517, Artus Gouffier de Boisy acquired the estate. His son, Claude Gouffier, had the current château built at the beginning of the 17th century, with construction years documented as 1609 and 1626. The new château was built in an “H” shape, possibly in honor of King Henry IV. Over the centuries, the estate changed hands multiple times and experienced phases of expansion and destruction, particularly during the occupation in World War II. Extensive restoration work began in 1955. Since 1990, it has been owned by Count Charles-Henri de Bartillat, who continues the restoration and has had the gardens reconstructed according to historical plans.

The Château de Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet is located in the commune of Saint-Loup-Lamairé in the Deux-Sèvres department, in the Poitou-Charentes region of France. It stands at an elevation of approximately 82 meters above sea level.

Today, the Château de Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet is privately owned and accessible to visitors. It serves as a guesthouse, and its historic gardens have been lovingly reconstructed according to old plans.

• Château d'Airvault (castle), approx. 4.8 km away
• Château de Maisontiers (castle), approx. 6.2 km away
• Château de la Roche Faton (castle), approx. 8.7 km away
• Château de Tennessus (castle), approx. 11.9 km away