Paulmy is a commune of Indre-et-Loire, in the Center-Val de Loire region, 23 km south-west of Loches.
With an area of 26 km², the territory of the locality, crossed by the course of Brignon and other small streams, has a green aspect and retains an agricultural vocation. There are also 700 hectares of forests.
Inhabited since prehistoric times (Neolithic remains), then during Antiquity (a Gallic camp covered part of the town and its neighbor Neuilly-le-Brignon), the lands of Paulmy are the property from the twelfth century lords from the family of Voyer (who will become marquis and serve several kings). Outside a short time, these nobles will remain strong men of the village until the mid-nineteenth century.
They own a castle, undermined during the Hundred Years War (Paulmy is at the edge of the kingdoms of France and England) and during the wars of Religion, period when another castle, that of the Châtelier, becomes a Protestant bastion.
This rich heritage and historic heritage remains the primary asset of the village with nearly 240 inhabitants. With its environment conducive to hiking, it makes Paulmy a nice stop near the major tourist sites of the Loire Valley.
In the village itself, the jewel of the town is the castle of Paulmy rebuilt in 1449 after a first fortress was destroyed by the English in 1412 (some vestiges of this first building are however still visible such as the dovecote and a tower). In poor condition, it was restored in the early nineteenth century. Private property, this former seat of the family of Voyer can not be visited.
Halfway between Paulmy and Neuilly-le-Brignon, the castle of Chatelier, whose owners had conflicting relations for centuries with De Voyer, dates from the twelfth century, changes were made in the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Built on a rock, surrounded by moats, it was considered for a long time as one of the most imposing strongholds of Touraine. Its fortifications consisted of a double walled enclosure, flanked by towers. The first is gone, the second is in ruins. An inclined bridge of two arches precedes the old drawbridge but a second drawbridge for pedestrians still exists. In the courtyard, remains the former seigniorial lodge dating from the 15th century, before the appearance of architectural forms from Italy. Around 1670, the building was extended with a second pavilion. Protestant stronghold, the area dominated by an imposing dungeon was besieged in 1559 but at the end of the day "resisted" time. This is the case of the barn called "barn of Protestants" which has a beautiful acoustic and hosts concerts in summer. The property is private but it is possible to visit the inner courtyard and barn of the Protestants (building on the left entering). Information on +33 2 47 59 66 78.
Nearby, the hot stone dolmen (also known as the "Seat of the Fairies") dates back to the Neolithic period. It is a burial chamber consisting of 6 stones. A nineteenth-century excavation revealed human and animal bones mixed with debris from vases. The building is classified as a historical monument since 1911.
Finally, back in the village, the Sainte-Croix church built in 1585 deserves to be visited. The oculus and niches are visible on the facade, and the sundial adorning the gable of the southern chapel. Inside, a beautiful 17th century altarpiece in the choir and marble-covered burials where members of Voyer's family are buried are to be seen.
In terms of sports and recreation "nature", a body of water located in the small town is conducive to the walk. It is equipped with games for children and will also delight fishermen, who also have the opportunity to indulge their passion in the Brignon (river 2nd category). Find out about the regulations on +33 2 47 05 33 77.
A free tennis court is also available to visitors and tourists.
Finally, several hiking trails cross the territory, including the path of St. Martin connecting Szombathely (birthplace of the saint in Hungary) to Candes-Saint-Martin (city of his death in France). Other trails allow you to enjoy the landscape and historical heritage, not to mention the protected wetlands. Maps and documentation on +33 2 47 91 82 82.
