Château de Boussac

Boussac

Standing on its spur above the gorges of the Petite Creuse, the Château de Boussac owes its fame to six tapestries that lay slumbering in its great drawing room. A 12th-century fortress ruined during the Hundred Years' War, it was rebuilt in the 15th century by Marshal Jean de Brosse, companion-in-arms of Joan of Arc. It was here that George Sand, who stayed several times and set her novel "Jeanne" in Boussac, stopped in her tracks before enigmatic hangings strewn with flowers, animals and a lady with a unicorn. Alerted, she drew the attention of Prosper Mérimée, Inspector of Historic Monuments, who identified them during his visit of 1841. Local tradition held that these marvels had been brought back from the East by Zizim, an Ottoman prince held captive by Pierre d'Aubusson, Grand Master of Rhodes, and that they had adorned the tower of Bourganeuf — historians today see in them a Lyon commission by the Le Viste family, but the legend of the Turkish prince still clings to the walls of Boussac. In 1882, the municipality, having become owner, sold the six tapestries to the Musée de Cluny for 25,000 gold francs, a sum spent, it is said, on repaving the fairground. Sold, partly dismantled, turned into a gendarmerie, the château was saved from ruin in 1965 by the Blondeau family, who have been restoring it for more than half a century. George Sand's bedroom, with its 18th-century panelling, can still be visited.

Getting there : Rue George-Sand, in the village of Boussac; the château stands on a rocky spur above the Petite Creuse. Parking in the village, privately owned château open to visitors all year round.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound