The castle of Saint-Germain is located in the town of Saint-Jean-Saint-Germain, in the department of Indre-et-Loire, 7 km south-east of Loches.
Located in the center of the village of Saint-Germain, the estate was the seat of a castellany under the archdiocese of Tours.
An 11th century keep was integrated into 15th and 16th century constructions: the castle thus consists of two wings at right angles, the dwelling being covered with a framework in the shape of an inverted ship's hull. Two cylindrical towers occupy the "south" and "east" corners of the castle. The main wing is bounded, to the northeast, by a square tower from the 15th century which has preserved the walkway and battlements.
Catherine de Medici would have chosen the estate in 1575 to have an interview with her son François de Valois, then in rebellion against the new King Henri III.
At that time, the castle belonged to one of the oldest noble families in Touraine, the Berruyers, who kept it for two centuries.
Beautifully preserved, displaying a Renaissance style, the restored castle and its well-maintained garden are still private property today. The whole is protected as historical monuments.
Open to the public from early July to August 15 and during Heritage Days. Visit also possible by appointment. Information on +33 6 21 76 64 46.
