Castle of Choisille

Château de Choisille is a private residence in Chanceaux-sur-Choisille, a small commune in the Centre-Val de Loire region, roughly ten kilometers from Tours. The building isn't open to the public on a regular basis, but its history stretches back to the 16th century and touches a handful of memorable figures from the Touraine region.

Where does the name Choisille come from?

The current name only dates to 1937, taken from the Choisille river that runs through the commune and gave it its name. Before that, the estate was known as La Porcherie, a name recorded in documents going back to the 16th century. The switch during the interwar period was likely a deliberate rebrand — the new owners wanted to distance the property from a name tied to its earlier, decidedly unglamorous farming associations.

Who owned the estate before it became Château de Choisille?

The earliest records of the property go back to 1559, when the fief belonged to Marie Brosset, widow of Denis Riant, and later to Jean Sapin, receiver general of finances for Languedoc. Over the following decades ownership changed hands repeatedly — a fairly typical pattern for a modest landed estate in Touraine, where titles moved between local nobility and royal officials.

By around 1700, the property belonged to Jacques-Julien Royer, treasurer of France in Tours — a senior administrative post that came with considerable means. Around 1773, Catherine-Élisabeth Royer, widow of Pierre de Cop, sold the estate to Michel-Pierre Martel, a naval commissioner based in Quebec. It's a good illustration of how landed property in Touraine often ended up in the hands of people connected to France's colonial or naval administration.

Why is the château linked to an actress and a circus?

The most notable episode in the château's history belongs to the 20th century. From 1917 to 1928, the house was home to Ève Lavallière, a French stage actress popular around the turn of the century, known for her roles in Paris's boulevard theatres. Her time in Chanceaux-sur-Choisille came during the final phase of her life, after which she withdrew from public life.

In 1932, the estate was bought by Charles Spiessert, director of the Pinder circus — one of France's oldest and best-known circus companies. The menagerie's animals wintered in the outbuildings on the property, an unusual but well-documented use of the château as a seasonal base for a touring circus troupe.

Can visitors tour the château?

Château de Choisille is privately owned and doesn't operate as a ticketed tourist attraction. Visitors passing through Chanceaux-sur-Choisille can see the building from the outside, or catch a glimpse during local heritage events if any are organized, but there are no standard opening hours for tourists.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Château de Choisille located? In the commune of Chanceaux-sur-Choisille, in the Indre-et-Loire department, near Tours, in the Centre-Val de Loire region.

Since when has it been called Château de Choisille? Since 1937. Before that, from the 16th century onward, the estate was called La Porcherie.

Who lived there in the 20th century? Actress Ève Lavallière from 1917 to 1928, and from 1932 the estate belonged to Charles Spiessert, director of the Pinder circus.

Is the château open to tourists? No, it's a private residence with no regular visitor access — it can only be viewed from outside.