Château de Marconnay

The Château de Marconnay is a 15th-century castle located in the commune of Sanxay, in the Vienne department of France. It blends Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. The lordship of Marconnay belonged to the Lévesque family from at least 1369 until 1683. It was then purchased by Charlotte de Vernoux, a lady-in-waiting to Madame de Montespan, and remained in her possession until 1719, when a fire severely damaged the castle. Afterward, it was managed by tax farmers.

Surrounded by a water-filled moat, the castle consists of a rectangular enclosure containing the main house and outbuildings. A two-arched stone bridge crosses the moat, leading to a gatehouse topped with a domed roof and a small structure. It features two round-arched doors — one for carts, the other for pedestrians — and was originally protected by two drawbridges and defended by machicolations. The gatehouse dates to the 17th century.

Two round towers with 15th-century cannon openings flank the walls. The main residence includes a rectangular 15th-century building connected to a polygonal staircase tower, as well as an L-shaped wing added in the 17th century but never completed. This newer wing features an elegant entrance flanked by two slender columns supporting a decorative entablature, and two mullioned windows with one dormer, framed by fluted pilasters.

Do not miss to go inside to discover an exhibition of old tools.

Address
Marconnay 3, Sanxay, France

Established
15th century