Journées Européennes du Patrimoine - Visite des jardins du Château de Varennes l'Enfant

Varennes l'Enfant castle was built in the 12th century on a rocky outcrop. The building overlooks the river below, which serves as a natural moat. At the time, it belonged to the L'Enfant family, who gave their name to the castle and the seigneury. Similarly, as several L'Enfants were named Séguin, the parish of Épineux, which was part of the lordship of Varennes l'Enfant, became Épineux-le-Séguin. In 1570, the estate became a barony for François de la Chapelle, who was one of the most important figures in Maine and a strong supporter of Henry IV. The King is said to have dined and slept there in December 1589. A modern château, the private residence of the d'Albaret family, in the antique style of military architecture, was built in the 1850s on the old foundations. The fireplace in one of the rooms is adorned with beautiful, monumental old wood panelling that has been skilfully restored, and the joisted ceilings and exposed parquet flooring are highly decorative. It was abandoned in the 1940s, and during the war its interior was dismantled, looted and sold. There was a magnificent wooden staircase that has completely disappeared, with only the stone ones remaining. By 1958, it was completely ruined. In 1965, the current owner consolidated the roof structure and completely redid the slate roof. The chapel dates back to 1207 and the entire interior was rebuilt around 1580. The forge and the former houses of those who worked for the owners are still in very good condition. The castle grounds are accessible and offer magnificent views over the valley and the village of Épineux-le-Séguin.

Self-guided tour: the exteriors; guided tour at 3pm (plus a visit to the interior of the chapel).