What remains of the château, the most imposing of the period in Deux-Sèvres, is the building which joins the two towers and the chapel. The left wing has been destroyed and the right wing is a later construction. The enceinte was demolished between 1820 and 1824 and the sculptures have disappeared.[3] The orangery dates from 1854.
The Château de Javarzay combines both Renaissance and feudal aspects with its machicolations and its moat as well as conical roofs covered with slate. Its entrance pavilion is flanked by four corbelled turrets.
Details
Park and gardens
The park surrounding the château is open to the public every day, free of charge.
Numerous walks are possible around the fish lake, along the Boutonne, the river which borders the park, as well as laid out Balades et Découvertes circuits. Picnic and play areas are available.
Visits
A visit to the château de Javarzay includes:
the Renaissance château, its chapel and the round walk
the headdress museum with a remarkable collection of nearly 400 antique headdresses and hats from several French regions
a permanent exhibition dedicated to the life and work of Jean-François Cail (1804-1871), a great 19th century industrialist (railways, sugar, agriculture), born in Chef-Boutonne
A Balades et Découvertes circuit starts from in front of the château. It follows the Boutonne River and goes around Chef-Boutonne, taking in the 11th century market hall, the house where Jean-François Cail was born and the source of the Boutonne.
