Henry Viguier, passionate about horses

Henry Viguier turned Bouges into a "temple" dedicated to the equestrian world. Discover this magnificent collection...

An enthusiast

As soon as he arrived in Bouges, Mr. Viguier wanted to mark the place with his great passion for horses, carriage driving and hunting. He owns his own racing stable, wearing a blue and daffodil coat, is president of the Cercle de l'Étrier and a member of the Châteauroux racing society.

He was also a great collector: the buildings were adapted for the storage and display of both utilitarian and luxurious pieces.

Henry Viguier conduisant son road coach dans les rues de Paris
© Reproduction Jean-Luc Paillé / Centre des monuments nationaux

The commons

The outbuildings on the south side of the château comprise two large buildings: the outbuildings as such, with stables and tack rooms; and an orangery at the far end of the courtyard. He decided to invest in the orangery to store his collection of horse-drawn carriages (now housed in the former cowshed).

Château de Bouges, cour des communs
© Jean-Pierre Delagarde / Centre des monuments nationaux

Horse-drawn carriages

Here, luxurious mansions rub shoulders with service and hunting carriages. All kinds of activities are possible with such a collection, from country rides in the Break grand panier to long road trips with the Road coach, from the Gig léger à deux roues to the Omnibus. A common element is the color blue for the bodies and daffodil for the trains, the color of the domain also found in the upholstery.

Château de Bouges, remise aux voitures
© Philippe Berthé / Centre des monuments nationaux

The great upholstery

The grand saddlery, or luxury saddlery, is the centerpiece of the outbuildings.

This is where the most precious harnesses are displayed, demonstrating the prestige sought by the last owner. A wide variety of types punctuates this collection: driving bits, bridle bits, city and sports harnesses, English saddles, Amazon saddles from Hermès...

There are also some more atypical pieces, such as a small sleigh and the curious boots of a postillion .

Château de Bouges, sellerie
© David Bordes / Centre des monuments nationaux

The little saddlery

In contrast to the large saddlery in the "noble" courtyard, the small or working saddlery overlooks the farmyard at the rear of the outbuildings. As its name suggests, this room is dedicated to horse care and preparation. Utilitarian equipment, including a fine mechanical clipper, currycomb, grooming implements and more traditional tack, adorn this room.

Château de Bouges, petite sellerie
© Caroline Rose / Centre des monuments nationaux

The stables

The stables are a reflection of Henry Viguier. Fourteen in number, the stalls and boxes are made of solid oak, with white enameled cast-iron troughs. The blue and daffodil wool felt blankets are a further reminder of the owner's colors.

The prestige of the premises is emphasized with large, enclosed stalls for foaling or for isolating sick horses. The names of the last occupants are still visible in the cartouches of each stall.