In the Perche region, thehermit Bernard of Tiron settled in the parish of Gardais with a few disciples in 1114. There he founded theHoly Trinity AbbeyVery quickly, it became wealthy thanks to the honorable reputation of Saint Bernard. Protected by King Louis VI the FatIt flourished and oversaw nearly 22 other abbeys in France, Scotland, and England. Unfortunately, many were burned, looted, or ravaged during the Hundred Years' War. Gradually, this important religious center declined…
In the 17th century, Henri de Bourbon-Verneuil, son of Henri IV and his favorite Henriette d'EntraguesHe was only 5 years old when he was appointed commendatory abbot of Tiron. Eventually, he founded a college dedicated to the education of the region's nobles in 1630With an excellent reputation, the establishment joins the list of "Royal and military colleges" of Louis XVI in 1776 Students were then trained there for the entrance exam to the École Militaire in Paris. Inevitably, the college's fate took a dramatic turn with the outbreak of the Revolution: access to the church was forbidden in 1792, and the college closed its doors the following year. The site was immediately purchased by a former teacher, Étienne Taullé. However, it quickly became nothing more than a vast stone quarry… The abbey was looted, and its Gothic choir eventually collapsed.
Passionate about history and botany, André Guillaumin is undertaking the restoration of this monument inherited from his family in the mid-20th century. Upon his death in 1974, his descendants appealed to the public authorities to take charge of this important piece of local history. The Eure-et-Loir Departmental Council responded to their appeal and purchased the entire property in 2005! It was during a visit with its president that Stéphane Bern, a great advocate for heritage, discovered Thiron-Gardais in 2012.
Captivated by the beauty, potential, and destiny of the place, he fell in love with it and decided to become its owner. Under the guidance of a heritage architect and specialized craftsmen, he had the building restored, redesigned the gardens and opened the estate to the public in 2016.
Today, visitors can discover a museum where the famous presenter has gathered all the documents and objects that tell the story of the abbey and the royal and military college. Outside, the historic gardens have been recreated and showcase the different uses they have had over time: a place of culture and meditation for monks, they were a place of study for college students before becoming a place for walks for the various owners. Regularly, Many wonderful cultural events are organized there, such as the Garden Festival, the Rendez-vous au Jardin (Garden Rendezvous), and opera concerts..
- Continue your exploration of the Loire Valley with the circuit The most beautiful castles around Le Mans and Laval which includes the royal and military college of Thiron-Gardais.
