Château des Aix

En un regard

Le château en bref

The Château des Aix is located in the commune of Meillard, in the Allier department, about 3 km south-west of the village centre. The building combines a 14th-century medieval core — a square plan enclosed by a curtain wall flanked by towers and surrounded by water-filled moats — with later alterations. In the early 17th century, the south curtain wall was demolished to create a main courtyard (cour d'honneur) with a regular, ordered façade framed by two turrets, as well as a gateway adorned with Doric pilasters inspired by Serlio. In the 18th century, a terraced garden was laid out, the interior received stucco work and wood panelling, and outbuildings were constructed. The French officer Charles-François du Buysson, who took part in the American War of Independence, is said to have been born in this castle. The castle has been listed (classé) as a historic monument since 25 July 1989, while the outbuildings, park and enclosures have been registered (inscrits) since 9 April 2001. A private property, it occasionally hosts theatre performances, notably as part of the Théâtres de Bourbon festival.