Today we take you to the heart of the Creuse Valley to discover the Boussay Castle. The latter embodies both historical wealth and a unique family heritage, having crossed the centuries without ever leaving the hands of the same family for a millennium. In this year 2024, the castle is celebrating its 1000 years of existence within the same family lineage, a rare and precious occasion which will be marked by a celebration and a monumental projection on 17 and 18 August.
A castle, a family, a village
Located in the heart of Boussay South Touraine, the castle is the emblematic symbol of the village and plays a central role in its identity and history. He not only embodies thefamily heirloom but also the soul of the village weaving an unwavering link between the past and the present.
The Preuillys, first barons of Touraine, were the first lords of the Château de Boussay. The Preuillys also owned lands such as “Roche Posay”, “la Guerche” and “le Bouchet”, and had founded Merci-Dieu in 1115 and the Abbey of Saint Pierre de Preuilly in 1001.
Isabelle de Preuilly brought the castle as a dowry to Jean Péan, grandson of Barthélémy Payen, a knight banneret made by Philippe Auguste. Isabelle's brother, Eschivard, Lord of Preuilly, was a great vassal of the Crown, having served under Saint Louis during the Battle of Taillebourg in 1242.
In 1338, Jeanne Péan, sole heir of Jean Péan, married Nicolas de Menou, thus linking the Menou family to the Château de Boussay for more than five centuries. The Menou family, originally from Perche, left its mark through illustrious figures such as Philippe de Menou, founder of the chapel adjoining the village church in 1470, and Jacques de Menou, general of the Empire who commanded the army of Egypt in 1802.
On May 5, 1862, Mathilde de Menou married Amaury de Becdelièvre, thus allowing this Breton family to join the long line of lords of Boussay. Today, their descendants continue to preserve this precious family heritage.
The Millennium Festival: a festive and family celebration
Every year, the Château de Boussay opens its doors for a festive weekend. However, to celebrate this millennium, theAssociation I am 1000 years old invites you to a timeless moment, offering you the opportunity to discover this heritage gem in an exceptional way on August 17 and 18, 2024.
On the program of cultural and family festivities
It’s a moment of family conviviality that is offered to you! All day long, you can enjoy wooden games, treasure hunts, initiations to archery, carriage rides, Chess games. But also a demonstration of hunting dogs with hounds, an exhibition of eight collectible 2CHs, a discovery of life in the Middle Ages with the reconstruction of a small village, commented tours and international conferences.
It is also an opportunity for sharing offered to you, with a thirty craftsmen present to demonstrate their know-how and transmit it through workshops and demonstrations: flint knapper, ceramist, wood sculpture, straw marquetry, cabinetmaker…
Le village of Boussay will not be left out, with exhibitions of works by Jean Dufy, thematic hiking trails and tourist trails set up for the occasion.
The highlight of the show: a mapping on the facade of the castle which will illuminate the facade of the castle Rates from 21h30
It is the culmination of the celebration, a artistic projection on the facade of the castle, designed by Xavier de Richemont. Recognized for his monumental projections around the world, you will have the opportunity to discover this visual spectacle which will illuminate the facade of the castle for 20 minutes. The screenings will be repeated several times during the evening to allow all visitors to immerse themselves in this immersive experience.
