In the 11th, so as to forbid entrance to the Tours plateau, the count of Anjou had a fortress built whose double walls are still visible. The fortress was turned into a Renaissance mansion in the 15th. It became the property of a Polish aristocrat in 1849, who restored it and had it decorated with many works of art: sculptures by Pierre Vaneau, paintings by Raphael, Veronese, Carravagio, as well as pieces from the Polish royal treasure. Count Branicki gave his name to one of the streets carved in rock where troglodyte houses are near half-timbered houses. Halle des Cardeux reminds visitors that the village thrived on the wool trade.
What to discover?
• Castle xi-xve century (Museum d'art polonais): everyday 10h-12 h/14h-18h from 1st of April to 1st of nov.
• Collegiale St-Jean-Baptiste: everyday 9h-19h.
• Galerie de l'atelier from Lezard: everyday except Monday 10h-12h30/14h-18h30
Montrésor