Advent postcards, Jouhé Deux-Sèvres

 

Advent postcard, Jouhé, Deux-Sèvres

Advent day twenty-two

Today’s cycling advent-ures postcard is from Jouhé, now part of the commune of Valdelaume in the Deux-Sèvres, and only around ten kilometres from home. This means it is often on one of our twenty or thirty-kilometre bike ride loops and it’s always exciting to see the tower of the château come into view on the skyline.

 

The château at Jouhé is privately owned I had the pleasure of meeting the new owners recently and offering them a guided visit of the Château de Javarzay. Both châteaux have undergone losses over the years, a major fire being the cause of extensive rebuilding at Jouhé in the 1600’s, leaving a logis and the impressive four storey square donjon, built around a courtyard. 

 

Once the madness of the festive period is over, they have promised us a reciprocal visit and I can’t wait, especially as they too have the mysterious circular markings on some of their ancient stones that we have at Javarzay. It is great news that the new owners have plans to bring Jouhé back to life and hold events there in the future and it would be fantastic if we can work together, sharing our remarkable buildings.

 

Jouhé is not only home to a château, but it also has a Tilleul tree that is classified as “remarkable”. I have a soft spot for trees and especially classified ones, but I think anyone would agree this tree is impressive, even in winter. It’s perfect positioning next to the château just adds to its charm.