The round of the hen houses

The château is distinguished by its rectangular keep, flanked by two watchtowers that contrast with the circular architecture of its dovecote. The pigeons are bred for their meat but especially for the colombina (droppings) which is used as a natural fertiliser.

A former manor house dating from the 15th century, it is distinguished by its rectangular keep which contrasts with the round architecture of its dovecote. Pigeons were raised for their meat, and the droppings were used as fertiliser. Of all the pigeon houses in Creuse, this is one of those that has best preserved its attributes.

This consists of two two-storey main buildings, with a large square tower on four floors. The rear of the building has retained its machicolations, from which boiling oil or water could be poured down on invaders. The façade was opened up in the 16th century, and the crenellated complex is surrounded by high walls and ditches with a drawbridge. It is possible to stay on the estate.

Nearly a century ago, chickens had their creature comforts: their homes were cut stone with thatched roofs; the land gave them cover, and they pecked freely during the day; their owners would "go to the hens" and lock them in the hen house at night. The hen house in Voueize will be restored in the course of 2020.