Monsoro Castle

The character who became the most famous in the entire history of the castle is, without a doubt, Charles de Chambes , who was immortalized by Alexander Dumas the father in his novel “The Countess de Monsoro ”. This literary work sets out the story of Charles, his wife Francoise and her lover, Monsieur de Bussy d'Amboise . Francoise de Meridor married Charles de Chambes by a second marriage; he was the chief hunter of the duke of Alanson . In the castle of Coutancière, the Countess de Monsoro met Louis de Clermont d'Amboise, Senior de Bussy, a favorite of the Duke of Alansons. Historical chronicles describe him as a man of courageous and educated, a fan of Plutarch. His independent appearance and manner of behavior became the reason that Bussy d'Amboise decided in 1579 to leave the courtyard and retire to his estate. The beginning of his courtship of the Countess de Monsoro dates back to this time. Rumors reached the ears of Charles de Chambes, who hastened to his castle and forced his wife to write a note to his lover asking for a meeting in the castle of Coutances. The death trap was set. Bussy went on a date accompanied by only one squire. Repulsing the attack of the Count's servants, he was mortally wounded at the moment when he jumped out the window. Oddly enough, the news of his death left Francoise de Meridore indifferent, she found solace in love for her husband, whom she made happy with numerous offspring.

In the middle of the XVII century, Senor Rene de Chambes, declared a fraud and counterfeiter, disappeared in England. Further throughout history, Monsoro Castle was abandoned and used as a trading warehouse. In 1862, the castle was included in the state list of historical monuments . In 1913, the castle fell into the hands of the General Council of Maine and Loire, which began restoration work. The restoration lasted from 1923 to 1932.

Now in 16 rooms of the castle is located a permanent exhibition "Images of the Loire" which, accompanied by audio recordings, tells about life on the banks of the Loire. So, for example, the traditional route through the castles of the Loire is shown. With the help of magnificent images, the play of light and music, visitors can get acquainted with the landscapes of the Loire, with the historical and economic development of settlements and castles, as well as with legends associated with the river and castle of Monsoro.

Also in the castle is a small museum of the Moroccan cavalry detachment, which contains weapons, military attributes and regalia of this part of the cavalry, founded by General Damad. The detachment was used during the conquest of Morocco, as well as in the Italian campaign during the Second World War .

The territory of the castle of Monsoro is the center of the regional park Loire - Anjou - Touraine (Pare Naturel Regional de Loire - Anjou - Touraine).

• Craigivar Castle
• Laura's castle

• Official site

• Art and history. Castles and cities of the Loire. BONECHI Publishing House, 160 pp., 2009 ISBN 978-88-476-1924-1