Aperçu

Tournelay, a domain alive as before

In the 19th century, in rural France, a castle never existed alone. It is surrounded by outbuildings that allow him to support his needs: a vegetable garden, a chicken coop, a kennel, stables, a saddlery, a park, woods, agricultural land... Due to lack of maintenance, many large properties have lost these buildings that shaped the landscapes of our countryside. The Tournelay estate is lucky to have kept them, still in activity. Come and discover it with family or friends! Follow the visitor’s journey at your own pace with a leaflet handed out at the entrance. Discovery trail: through the vegetable garden: At the estate of Tournelay, you will see chickens and peacocks, dogs barking while waiting for their soup, tomatoes ripening under the greenhouses, apple trees in spalier that produce for winter, roses for bouquets, Squash, herbs for grandma’s remedies, and even a wind turbine to pump water! This is a unique testimony on the life of the domains of yesteryear that operated in perfect autonomy. Today, this ecosystem appears to be a singular precursor in the era of short circuits, sustainable crops and renewable energies. Castle and outbuildings: You can enter the stables, whose stalls still bear the name of the horses of yesteryear. Right next door, the upholstery has kept all its equipment: reins, mors, harnesses, saddles, etc. The castle is discovered at the turn of an alley, in front of a French flowerbed. It is still a living family home, whose interior is not visited. Walk freely in a 30-hectare park: Choose the path you like to stroll or hike in the park with various species. You will find ponds, shady alleys, a bamboo grove, centennial cedars, a path by the river, benches, bridges, views of the castle at the bend of a grove, and wildlife of an amazing diversity. Open your eyes and ears! Informations Adult rate: 4 €. Under 15: free.

Address
5 route de Cerizay, 79250 Nueil-les-Aubiers, Deux-Sèvres, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France