The Château de la Vauguyon has an attractive appearance with its handsome 15th
century facade , flanked by its twin watchtowers . Its construction dates from the middle of
the 12th century , the first owners being the Lepetit family who occupied the Château for at
least 200 years . Thanks to numerous ancient parchment documents preserved in the
Departmental archives it has been possible to identify all subsequent owners .
The most prestigious : the major-domo of Cardinal Richelieu , the Seigneur of Varengeville
a member of the Royal Council , the Canons of Plessis-lès-Tours . At the time of the
Revolution the Château was sequestered by the State and then sold : the purchaser was
René-Champigny Clement the deputy Mayor of Chinon under the Convention , who was
succeeded as owner by Gustave Droz a celebrated writer and novelist of the 19th century .
An ancient domain with strong links to the Château Royal of Chinon . Certain parts of the
mediaeval Château date back to the 12th and 13th centuries ( the timber roof structure
and the wall frescoes ) , and to the 15th century . Internally the original mediaeval layout
has been preserved , evidenced by the Great Chamber on the first floor . The pair of
rondels on the ceiling beams of this room are decorated with paintings ( 13th century )
depicting knights on horseback in a jousting contest . The fountain and the doors date from
the 17th century . The 19th century wing also includes authentic mediaeval / gothic
features , as for example the mullioned windows . Several of the rooms were restored in
1937 under the supervision of the architect Louis Sue .
THE LISTED ELEMENTS
The core of the main building , with its wall frescoes , is classified BR5 : listed on 4 July
1995 . The remainder of the Château is classified BR3 and 5 : listed similarly on 4 July
1995 .
WHEN CONSTRUCTED
12th , 13th , 15th , 17th , and 19th centuries .
ARCHITECT ( interior renovation )
Louis Sue .
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To carry out urgent work by adding a waterproof cover to the roof in order to prevent
further rainwater damage to the roof timber structure and the 13th century wall frescoes .THE URGENCY
Exposed to the north winds , bad weather , storms and gales , the timber roof structure of
the Château de La Vauguyon has slowly deteriorated over the years . An emergency
rescue plan is vital otherwise irreparable damage to the main building is inevitable . As a
first step , before repair and restoration of the roof can take place , a waterproof cover
must be put in place to protect the 13th century roof timbers , the 13th century frescoes ,
and the flooring in the attics : damage to the latter imperils the ceiling of the Great
Chamber below
The immediate expense will be the purchase and installation of a waterproof cover for the
roof : estimated cost 16,000 euros .
I am Célian Duthu , I was born at the Château de La Vauguyon , I wish to save it from the
disaster which awaits if immediate steps are not taken to protect it . My sincere hope is
that you will offer some financial help to protect this little jewel of a 12th century Château
from the ravages of the weather . The Château has yet to reveal all its hidden secrets
( underground passages , frescoes , illustrious owners........).
Dartagnans
Campagne château de La Vauguyon
15 rue de Milan
75009 PARIS
Please do continue to keep in touch . Without your invaluable help to protect the roof
structure of the Château de La Vauguyon , irreversible damage will result not just to the
core building but to the Château as a whole . I thank you sincerely for your part in rescuing
this mediaeval jewel , which proudly views in the distance the Château Royal of Chinon .
The Château de La Vauguyon as a whole is part of the rich cultural heritage of this region
of Rabelais which I invite you to discover when visiting Touraine .
UN GRAND MERCI
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Site internet http://www.chateaulavauguyon.c...
