Commanderie d'Arville

Couëtron-au-Perche (Arville)

In the heart of the Perche vendomois, the commandery of Arville ranks among the best-preserved Templar complexes in France. Founded in the 12th century on land granted to the Order, it housed seven brothers in 1209: a commander, a chaplain, a clerk, and serving brothers (vine-growers, millers, carters) — a sign of a thriving agricultural estate. On 13 October 1307, when Philip the Fair had the Templars arrested throughout the kingdom, Arville fell like the Order's other houses; in 1312 its property passed to the Knights Hospitaller of Saint-Jean-de-Jerusalem, who restored and expanded the site in the 16th century, notably adding the gatehouse towers and the brick pavilion. The Revolution dispersed the commandery, sold as national property, and the site slowly decayed under successive private owners. It was not until 1982 that an intercommunal association bought the buildings and began an exemplary restoration, recently recognized with support from the Mission Patrimoine heritage fund. Today, the medieval gatehouse, the imposing tithe barn and the dovecote house a museum devoted to the history of the Templars, a medieval garden and family activities, bringing back to life the daily routine of a rural commandery of the Middle Ages.

Getting there : Route des Templiers, 1 allee de la Commanderie, Arville, 41170 Couetron-au-Perche, about 20 km north of Vendome

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

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