In the Anjou region of the Poitou-Charente is where you will find the magnificent castle of Chateau les Peaux dating back to 1122 with links to the 7th crusade and King Louis IX. Historic features of the castle include two spiral stone staircases, terracotta floors, low beams and magnificent ceiling work.
Nearby you will find the La Fontaine Zoo and Rose Gardens, fishing lakes and the numerous Loire chateaux. Just an hour will take you to Futurescope and the Pescalis fishing lakes not to mention numerous golf courses.
Or you can just relax in the 10 acres surrounding us and explore aspects of the castle such as the chapel and the remains of the bell tower. Beyond our own parkland lies the Anjou vineyards, sunflowers and lush countryside.
The lordship of skins, whose name recalls an industry, was a matter for the barony of Argenton-Castle. In 1493 the lord of the skins was a vassal of Philippe of Commynes [A vassal was part of the old feudal system] Commynes had been raised at the court of Burgundy and served Charles the bold,
King Louis X1th great enemy, until he found it useful to change sides.The generations of the Chapel family possessed the domaine for many years. In 1525 Pierre of the Chapel, Lord of the Skins and Captain of Montaigu advanced to Francois De Bisleve,friend of the Tremoille, made prisoner to the battle of Pavie,an important sum of money that allowed him to pay for the 9000 ecus of gold of this ransom.
THE CASTLE OF THE SKINS
With its large porch of entry, arched in warhead and its curious vault with the bell tower. In 1526, the skins belonged to Francois of downward BOISLEVE of a lord having accompanied St Louis 1Xth in the crusades of 1248. The manor was occupied in 1686 by sieur Samuel Mallet, and then it belonged to the Hayes family. It was maintained under sequestration during the revolution, it then became the property of Alexis DAUVET.
Le Chateau les Peaux is open all year with prices from £50 for a double room including breakfast.
