Le Prieure * * * *

HISTORY OF LE PRIEURÉ

An initial lodge was built in the 12th century. In the 16th century, an elegant manor house was added to the original construction, an edifice with a double gable and hexagonal turret containing a wide spiral staircase, a gallery, huge rooms with decorative fireplaces, etc.

For several centuries, the chateau de Chênehutte was a Benedictine lodge, administered by a Prior. The 1789 Revolution decreed the demolition of the chapel and the abandonment of the site.

Once order was re-established, a succession of owners held the chateau. The most significant of these was Comte Raymond de Castellane, who completed it at the start of the 20th century. The chateau was transformed into a hotel in 1957.
 

ABOUT SAUMUR (At 9 Kms.)

Saumur is a small city in the Maine-et-Loire département of France on the Loire River, with an approximate population of 30,000 (in 2001).

Saumur is home to the Cadre Noir, the École nationale d'equitation (National equestrian school), known for its annual horse shows. The region is noted for its beautiful centuries-old homes and churches, fine wines, and mushroom caves. At the Musee du Champignon visitors can find out how mushrooms are grown underground. The city is also famous for its factory where the Edict of Nantes. During the French Wars of Religion, Huguenots used the troglodyte caves to hide. In recent years many of the troglodyte houses have been rebuilt and are open to visitors while others have been restored and occupied.

Saumur has ancient ties to the military, going back to the 18th century when the cavalry school was founded here; this school is now the school of armored cavalry (tanks). The Musee des Blindés is dedicated to the history of tank warfare and the Musee de la Cavalerie has cavalry history and depictions of battle scenes and old uniforms.