Château de Troussay: A Galloping Journey Through Time in France's Loire Valley

situated in the muddled heart of France's Loire Valley, is a tantalizing, chronological conundrum. Its genesis as a modest manor house was long ago, evolving over the centuries, with its age-old relics clinging to a Renaissance era allure. Known to have served as the abode of King Francis I's squire, Robert of Bugy, it has witnessed many hands linger through its grand, stone archways. However, it was the de la Saussaye family, particularly Louis de la Saussaye, a 19th-century chronicler of the Loire's castles, a member of the Institut de France, and a former rector of the Académies of Lyon and Poitiers, who etched their indelible mark.

After museum-izing the castle, Louis annexed relics from other dilapidated castles, abiding by his motto 'fort à l'abandon' (strongly abandoned). The present proprietors are the descendants of Louis de la Saussaye's progeny who still maintain the property. one may wander through the 17th-century gardens, savoring the singular blend of styles that the château treats the eyes.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons