Royal Pleasures in Touraine for the 600th Anniversary of Louis XI

The current exhibition at the Museum of Arts and History in Chinon, named Le Carroi, is part of a series of national events in honor of the 600th anniversary of the birth of Louis XI. It takes place in the building that hosted the Estates-General summoned by Charles VII in 1428, in the heart of the medieval city. The exhibition explores the themes of royal stays, life at court in the 15th century, as well as the historical and royal context of Chinon.

Opening Times From 08/04/2023 to 30/06/2023 Sunday from 2:00pm to 6:00pm Monday from 2:00pm to 6:00pm Wednesday from 2:00pm to 6:00pm Thursday from 2:00pm to 6:00pm Friday from 2:00pm to 6:00pm Saturday from 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Louis XI in Touraine

Louis XI, cenotaph in the Basilica of Cléry Saint André Hunting with hounds was considered a princely sport par excellence. Sovereigns did not often participate alone, but rather with their entourage. Louis XI was a tireless hunter who exhausted everyone, including his dogs and courtiers. In the 15th century, he was considered a great traveler and enjoyed the pleasures of the table, but he did not often participate in the grand protocol banquets because of his position. He preferred small, but hearty meals with close companions and had been raised in a region where good food was appreciated.

The king also loved hunting and took advantage of his travels to indulge in this passion. Hunting with hounds was his preference, but he was also interested in falconry. People who knew his temperament were wary of the great hunting expeditions, as Louis XI had a bad temper and could not stand to lose. He was very stubborn and didn’t mind spending the night in a modest lodging if he had not finished the hunt.

In addition to hunting, the king was a great lover of dogs, especially male greyhounds. He had a significant kennel and bought dogs even when he was on campaign. He also had companion greyhounds that slept in his apartments and often accompanied him on his travels. Towards the end of his life, the king was deprived of his passion for hunting due to illness, but he enjoyed watching his dogs hunt rats in his room. Despite caring little for the lives of men, he made sure that his dogs were well taken care of and fed.