The Icehouse

This icehouse is the third of the castle and was rebuilt in 1807 by Vétault, an architect in Poitiers, in the form of an egg resting on an inverted conical base. Its entrance, offset to limit the penetration of air, is preceded by a small vestibule and a three-step porch. Located under a mound of earth to preserve freshness, it was used to store ice collected during the winter for sorbets and refreshments. From the top of the steps, one can admire the stone pit, 4.40m high and 4.60m in diameter, covered by a dome with a central oculus for lighting and loading.