In the 19th century, in rural France, a castle never existed alone. It is surrounded by outbuildings that allow it to provide for itself: a vegetable garden, a chicken coop, a kennel, stables, a saddlery, a park, woods, agricultural land… For lack of maintenance, many large properties have lost these buildings that shaped the landscapes of our countryside. The domain of Tournelay is lucky to have kept them, still in activity.
Come and discover it with family or friends. Follow at your own pace the visitor’s journey... The owners will be there to welcome you and answer your questions.
- Discovery trail: through the vegetable garden...
At the Tournelay estate, you will see hens laying in their nest boxes, dogs barking while waiting for their soup, tomatoes ripening under the greenhouses, espalier apple trees that produce for the winter, roses for bouquets, guinea fowl, squash, herbs for grandma’s remedies and even a wind turbine to pump water! Here is a unique testimony on the life of the former domains that functioned in perfect autonomy. Today, this ecosystem appears to be a singular precursor at a time of short circuits, reasoned cultures and renewable energies.
- Free walk in a 30 hectare park
Choose the path you like to stroll or hike in the park with various species. You will find ponds, shady paths, a bamboo grove, century-old cedars, a path along the river, benches, bridges, views of the castle at the bend of a grove and a fauna of an astonishing diversity. Open your eyes and ears!