Knights, jousts and childhood dreams: Bridoré Castle in Valeurs actuelles
Press coverage – September 15, 2026 | Valeurs Actuelles
What if the best way to discover a castle was to rediscover your childlike wonder?
On September 15, 2026, the French magazine Valeurs Actuelles devoted an article to the Château de Bridoré, as part of its series "In the shadow of the Loire castles".
Written by journalist Marie-Élisabeth Desmaisons, this new press coverage highlights a dimension particularly dear to Pierre-Alexandre Mouveau, owner of the castle: transmitting medieval history to new generations by awakening their curiosity and imagination.
Rediscovering the Middle Ages through the eyes of a child
With its towers, its imposing keep, its ramparts and its defensive devices, the Château de Bridoré has all the ingredients to make enthusiasts of chivalry dream.
But how can this fascination be transformed into a genuine discovery of history?
This is precisely the approach of Pierre-Alexandre Mouveau, who chose to focus on what children expected from a visit to a fortified castle. Their answer? Knights, adventures, and stories from the Hundred Years' War!
From these exchanges arose a conviction, summarized in the article by a phrase from the owner:
"Let's see Bridoré through the eyes of a child."
This approach guides his current desire to make medieval heritage accessible, exciting and alive for all generations.
The Great Jousts: When History Comes to Life
In its report, Valeurs actuelles notably revisits the Great Jousts of Bridoré Castle, an event conceived to revive the medieval world and share it with families.
Knightly tournaments, equestrian displays, entertainment and historical re-enactments: during these days, the fortress becomes the setting for an immersive experience of the Middle Ages.
The goal is simple: to allow children to discover an era in a way other than through books, by giving them the opportunity to observe, to marvel and to ask questions.
This transmission approach is also extended through educational content devoted to daily life in the Middle Ages, prepared by Pierre-Alexandre Mouveau based on his historical research.
An exceptional heritage to pass on to future generations
The article also highlights the architectural features of Bridoré, which testify to the ingenuity of its builders.
Its defensive system with four caponiers, its medieval steam baths and its latrines testify to the astonishing sophistication of this fortress. But beyond its walls, the story of its occupants also deserves to be told.
Among them, Imbert de Batarnay, advisor to four kings of France and grandfather of Diane de Poitiers, occupies a special place in the history of the castle.
These stories allow young visitors, as well as adults, to better understand the place of Bridoré Castle in the grand history of France.
To showcase the lesser-known castles of the Loire
Through this portrait, Valeurs actuelles finally addresses an essential issue: the place of private castles in the promotion of French heritage.
The French Loire Valley is world-renowned for its grand Renaissance châteaux. Yet, it also houses many less famous medieval fortresses, whose history is equally worth discovering.
Located just 14 kilometers from Loches, the Château de Bridoré is one of those unique places, preserved and brought to life thanks to the commitment of its owners.
This new press coverage thus helps to raise awareness of Bridoré and to remind us how much the transmission of heritage also depends on the curiosity of the youngest.
We warmly thank Marie-Élisabeth Desmaisons and the editorial staff of Valeurs actuelles for this article dedicated to the Château de Bridoré.
→ Read the article in Valeurs Actuelles (French):
Discover Bridoré Castle with your family
Want to introduce your children to the Middle Ages?
At Bridoré, visitors can explore a real medieval fortress, discover its defensive architecture and follow in the footsteps of the characters who have marked its history.
The Castle welcomes the public during the summer season, from July 1st to August 31st, and also offers group visits by appointment throughout the year.
