This multimedia tour takes you to discover the castle of Pompadour during its golden age, back in the 16th century, thanks to computer generated images. You’ll also learn about Pompadour’s heritage and the National Stud Farm’s savoir-faire.
This is where the story begins ! This audio guide tells you how a local family of lords had this castle built in the early 16th century, before being granted the « Marquis de Pompadour” title, which King Louis XV then gave to his mistress, Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson.
This sequence traces through the history of Pompadour’s stud farm, from its foundation by King Louis XV, its golden age in the 19th century and the invention of the Anglo-Arabian horse breed, until nowadays. The farm is still an important venue for equestrian events.
In the middle of the 16th century, the castle of Pompadour was endowed with an important defense system, to protect it from attacks in the religious war context. Here, the major points of this fortified ensemble are explained.
The castle of Pompadour was built around 1500. It was a reflection of its owners’ great power and sophisticated taste. Unfortunately, its finest parts were demolished. Discover what the castle used to look like thanks to this video, its old maps and computer generated images.
The south wing is the only part of the castle that subsists today. It is presented in this video, with its covered pathway, its front entrance « châtelet » (small castle), its two circular towers and its indoors.
Notice how this well is entirely decorated with Gothic-style limestone sculptures. What exactly are these sculptures?
Notice how this well is entirely decorated with Gothic-style limestone sculptures. What exactly are these sculptures?
Incorrect answer. They are simply re-used sculptures from the north wing of the castle, when it was demolished. The tower motif is omnipresent and evokes the Pompadour family’s coat of arms : « blue, with three silver towers ».
That is correct ! They are recycled stones, which explains the decor’s relative lack of coherence, and the motifs’patchwork layout. The tower motif is omnipresent and evokes the Pompadour family’s coat of arms : « blue, with three silver towers ».
Incorrect answer. They are simply re-used sculptures from the north wing of the castle, when it was demolished. In fact, Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, the Marquess of Pompadour, never actually settled down in the castle, because it was too far from the king’s court. The tower motif is omnipresent and evokes the Pompadour family’s coat of arms : « blue, with three silver.
Let’s take a moment to evoke the parts of the castle which no longer exist: the north wing and the west gallery. Both were sophisticatedly decorated with limestone sculptures. You’ll be able to see what these parts of the castle looked like thanks to this video’s computer generated images
What is the name given to this recycled architectural element ?
Incorrect answer, it is a capital, used to crown columns and support the weight of arches. A pinnacle is a long, slim decorative element with a slender top.
Incorrect answer, it is a capital, used to crown columns and support the weight of arches. A keystone is a stone at the top of an arch, that blocks and upholds the construction.
That is correct. It is a capital, used to crown columns and support the weight of arches.
The castle’s enclosed gardens are located down below the low wall. They a wonderful place to enjoy a stroll. Have a glimpse at what they were like and how they evolved over the years.
Pompadour stud farm has kept several horse carriages, some of which are still on display. We interviewed Heritage curator Jean Louis Libourel, who is also a carriage and harness specialist, to learn how they work.
The castle’s enclosed gardens are located down below the low wall. They a wonderful place to enjoy a stroll. Have a glimpse at what they were like and how they evolved over the years.
Nowadays, Limousin is famous for its beef. But since the Renaissance, it has mainly beenrenowned for its horse breeding. This video describes the remarkable Limousin breed of horses, which no longer exists, and the Anglo-Arabian breed, which originated in Limousin.
Here, we tell you all about the blacksmith’s trade and discuss horse shoes.
The large Puy Marmont area was the castle’s vegetable garden. In the 19th century, it was transformed by the National Stud Farm to become: stables, a riding school, a forge and an honorary pavilion. Here we present the site and its evolution.
The honorary pavilion hosts a saddlery where the stud farm’s most remarkable harnesses are on display. There is also a saddler’s workshop where damaged leather parts are repaired and new ones are made. Bernard Clot, the stud farm’s assistant manager, takes us to visit the honorary saddlery, and Stéphane Poisot, the farm’s saddler, tells us all about his trade and skills.
