Visit Château de la Bussière
The Château de la Bussière, approximately 93 miles (150km) south of Paris, is surrounded by a moat and accessed only by a narrow stone bridge. With its impeccably maintained gardens, the château will be a highlight of your barge charter. The French Hotel Barge Renaissance offers this and other significant, historic châteaux of the region on their barge cruise in the Upper Loire and Western Burgundy.
The construction of the Château de la Bussière dates back to the 12th century by Lord Etienne de Feins. At that time, La Bussière was a fortified castle with its ramparts, moats, and drawbridge. It was situated along an important commercial route connecting Paris to the Mediterranean basin. The Lord of Feins protected a portion of this road and merchants had to pay a tax to continue their journey and also to enter the market in the village square. The château remained a fortress until the end of the 15th century.
During the French Wars of Religion of the 16th century, La Bussière was a Catholic stronghold, whereas the neighboring town of Gien was largely Protestant. In 1567, a group of Huguenots attacked the village and killed 17 Catholic priests, damaging the château in the process
In 1540, Jean I du Tillet became the owner of the Château de la Bussière. It stayed in the family through the 18th century until the French Revolution in 1789. The château was acquired in 1814 by the former musketeer Count Gabriel de Chasseval, who transformed it into a residence amenable to the activities of daily life. Having remained the property of the same family, Henri de Chasseval decided to open the building for visits in 1962.
Sometimes the château is referred to as the "Fisherman's Castle" due to an eclectic collection of objects and artwork illustrating the different fishing techniques dating back to the 17th century. There is also a display of an exceptional specimen of a prehistoric coelacanth fish. The château's moat is home to a diverse array of aquatic plants and wildlife, including rare species of fish and water birds. It is renowned for its collection of carp, including the prized Koi carp. These colorful and majestic fish can be seen swimming gracefully in the moat, adding to the beauty and charm of the surroundings.
The interiors of the castle are immaculately restored and you can stroll through rooms and see them just as they were used for many centuries. View the kitchens, the linen room, the sitting room, the office, and the impressive vaulted library – all with the authentic furnishings and accoutrements of their daily life.
At the foot of the château is an 18th-century garden spread over 55 acres of land. The gardens feature a wide variety of vegetables, flowers, plants, trees (including 65 varieties of pear trees and 42 varieties of apple trees), and beds of aromatic and medicinal plants. Stroll around the grounds and explore the plantings of the orangery, walk through the stables, take in the abundant vegetable gardens, and meander around the tranquil lake. There's also a giant maze to enjoy.
Visit the Château de la Bussière on a Luxury Barge Cruise
The French Hotel Barge Renaissance cruises along the Canal de Briare, France's oldest canal which is steeped in history on a route that features elegant châteaux, small countryside villages, and the famed wine-growing region of Sancerre. Contact Paradise Connections – we are happy to assist with your barging vacation.
French Hotel Barge Renaissance
Upper Loire/ W. Burgundy: Canal de Briare
Up to 8 guests
Charters and Cabin cruises
Themed Cruises
Family, Golf, Wine
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