Top 6 Castles around Thouars

The most prominent historical castle in Thouars is the Château des Ducs de la Trémoille. This grand 17th-century ducal castle, designed by Jacques Lemercier, stands on a natural promontory overlooking the Thouet river and the old town.

The Château des Ducs de la Trémoille is a prime example of classical French architecture, featuring a long, symmetrical main building over 110 meters long with a central courtyard and columned galleries. It also includes an adjoining Holy Chapel of Our Lady with a splendid Flamboyant Gothic facade and Renaissance gallery.

Yes, you can visit Château de La Coindrie, which features imposing ruins of a fortified monastery from the 13th century. These remains, including two towers, are located on the banks of the Thouaret and offer a quiet picnic area.

The Château des Ducs de la Trémoille currently houses the Marie de la Tour d'Auvergne public college. While the grounds are generally open to visitors, the interior is typically accessible for visits only during special events like Heritage Days.

Built by Marie de La Tour d'Auvergne to assert the power of the La Trémoille family, the castle has a rich history. It was pillaged during the French Revolution and later served as a barracks and prison. Its architectural design influenced structures like the orangery at Versailles, highlighting its importance in 17th-century French architecture.

Yes, the Château d'Oiron, located about 10 km from Thouars, houses the Curios & Mirabilia contemporary art collection and hosts temporary exhibitions. Its park is freely accessible, and the castle itself can be visited year-round.

From the Château des Ducs de la Trémoille, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the old town of Thouars and the meanders of the Thouet river. There's even a specific viewpoint, Prtty view on the Thouars's castle, offering an excellent perspective of the ducal castle.

Several castles and related sites around Thouars are considered family-friendly. The Château de La Coindrie, with its ruins and picnic area, is a good option. The Château d'Oiron, with its art collection and accessible park, also welcomes families.

The area around Thouars offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Watermill loop from Thouars' or the 'Embankment on the Thouet – Pommiers Waterfall loop'. For cycling, options include 'Thouars and the banks of the Thouet' or 'A Roman bridge loop'. There are also gravel biking routes available. You can explore these and more on the Thouars guide pages.

Yes, many routes around Thouars offer scenic views, including those of the castles. For instance, the 'Watermill loop from Thouars' running trail and various cycling routes provide opportunities to see the historical landscape. You can find detailed information on these trails in the Running Trails around Thouars and Cycling around Thouars guides.

While castles can be visited year-round, spring and autumn generally offer pleasant weather for exploring the grounds and nearby trails. Summer is also popular, but can be warmer. For specific interior visits, such as the Château des Ducs de la Trémoille, check local listings for Heritage Days, which typically occur in September.

Yes, the region around Thouars includes private estates and castles. For example, the Château de La Coste is a private castle and vineyard known for its neo-classical style. While some private castles may not be open to the public, their exteriors can often be appreciated from nearby roads or viewpoints.