In the heart of the Sologne region, a few kilometers from the famous estate of François I, the Château de Villesavin is a unique place known as "Chambord's construction site hut ." It was built in the 16th century by Jean Le Breton, Secretary of Finance and Controller General of War under François I, who also oversaw the construction of Chambord. On the land of Villesavin, granted to him by the king, he built the Château de Villesavin, an ideal base for overseeing the royal building project. Florentine and French artisans from Chambord contributed significantly to the refined decoration of Villesavin, particularly the pediments of the dormer windows and the murals in the chapel.
The Château de Villesavin, inspired by Italian Renaissance villas, is one of the first Renaissance châteaux in the Loire Valley to be composed of square pavilions arranged in a U-shape . Until the 19th century, the château had several successive owners, and minor modifications were made to its architecture. Purchased in 1937 by the Sparre family , the château subsequently fell into a long period of neglect. The parents of the current owners resumed its renovation in 1954. Count Lars de Sparre and his wife, Véronique, are actively continuing the restoration and development of this family château for tourism.
A visit to Villesavin Castle offers visitors delightful surprises. The interior, accessible by guided tour, reveals refined furnishings complemented by a beautiful pewter collection . The castle houses several museums, including a wedding museum showcasing an exceptional collection of 1,500 objects that trace 150 years of history . Visitors can discover reenactments of important wedding moments, from the preparation of the trousseau to the bridal chamber. Experience the wonder of period costumes dating from 1850 to 1950 , and discover the globe room with its 350 exhibited models. Also not to be missed is the museum of horse-drawn carriages and children's cars , housed in the castle's former stables.
Children are invited to a ghost hunt in the castle park, while an observation game has been designed for teenagers. Villesavin also has a mini-farm with goats, sheep, cows, rabbits, chickens, and the famous Poitou donkeys.
- Continue your exploration of the Loire Valley with the circuit A getaway to the north of Loir-et-Cher which includes the Château de Villesavin.
