At the Château in Monthoiron, architectural history meets two treasure hunts with different focuses. The Tour-Forteresse represents an example of early French Renaissance architecture associated with Leonardo. One treasure hunt is linked to the history of the Château, while the other combines nature observation with structures made from LEGO® bricks.

The Tour-Forteresse and its connection to Leonardo

The Tour-Forteresse of the Château de Monthoiron is considered a mysterious and original example of early French Renaissance architecture; its architectural concept is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. The Tour-Forteresse is a cylinder 20 metres in diameter and 20 metres high. Its diameter and height are therefore numerically equal—a clear guide to the dimensions of this structure.

Inside, a documentary film is shown about recent discoveries concerning Leonardo as an architect. The form of the Tour-Forteresse and the architectural concept attributed to Leonardo thus sit alongside an insight into recent discoveries about his role as an architect.

Historical traces at the Château

The history of the site can also be explored through various clues. The grounds contain traces of an 11th-century oppidum called Monte Aurea. The Château de Monthoiron gained regional importance when the Turpin de Crissé family settled there. One clue concerns the remains of the oppidum, while another links the Château’s regional importance to the family’s settlement.

Two treasure hunts, two different focuses

“Le Trésor de Léonard” takes participants on a route around the Tour-Forteresse featuring 20 puzzles. Along the way, they learn about the history of the Château de Monthoiron, the Renaissance and Leonardo da Vinci in a playful way. The activity is therefore closely tied to the site’s cultural history: the puzzles explore themes that also come into play when learning about the Tour-Forteresse and its attribution to Leonardo.

“Le Secret de Karmanor” takes a different approach. This nature-observation treasure hunt includes unique and original structures made from LEGO® bricks. The 45-minute route is intended for children aged three and over; an accompanying adult reads out the ten puzzles. From age five, the activity can be played as a more challenging treasure hunt and then lasts a total of one hour and 15 minutes. The two age-group formats therefore differ considerably in their time requirements; for the younger age group, an adult is also needed to read the puzzles aloud.

The operating conditions for the activities may change. Check the currently available conditions before your visit.

Practical information for visiting the Château

Free parking is available at the Château de Monthoiron, with spaces accessible to buses, motorcycles and other vehicle types. The grounds are level and accessible to pushchairs and people with reduced mobility. This information can help you plan your journey and assess the conditions on site; it applies to the Château grounds.

A regional point of reference

In Poitou, Futuroscope theme park is less than 30 minutes from Monthoiron. Travel time may vary depending on the route and traffic. This is therefore a guide to the time needed when planning another regional destination, not a fixed journey time.

Discover more destinations: Maisonneuve, Moussac, Moulismes, Marigny-Brizay, La Puye, Thurageau, Mignaloux-Beauvoir, Coussay-Les-Bois

For the regional travel overview: Vienne.