Thierry Breton, the internal market commissioner, has bought a castle in the French countryside, his team told POLITICO on Wednesday, confirming local media reports.
Located in the verdant central French village of Gargilesse-Dampierre — ranked among the prettiest places in France — along the Creuse river, Gargilesse Castle was built by the Counts of Gargilesse in the 8th century.
Breton purchased the building from a local painter, Annick Thévenin, who had bought the castle in 1998 to use as an art gallery. Breton is not planning to live there, his team said, and intends to keep it as a cultural space.
According to local daily Le Berry Républicain, the French commissioner discreetly carried out the purchase several months ago for an undisclosed amount.
“I continue to manage the château, to receive the public, to host exhibitions, that’s Mr. Breton’s wish,” Thévenin told the local outlet.
Contacted by POLITICO, Breton’s Cabinet confirmed he had indeed bought the castle but declined to further comment, saying it was a personal matter.
Gargilesse-Dampierre Mayor Martine Sabroux-Idoux and former owner Thévenin were not immediately available for comment.
Clothilde Goujard contributed reporting.