Alain-Fournier (1886–1914) was born Henri-Alban Fournier at La Chapelle-d'Aiguillon (Cher), and is of course best known as the creator of his only novel Le Grand Meaunes, which for many years, as a frequently set school text book, remains in many people's memories and hearts. Moved to the school in Épinay-le-Fleuriel in 1891, Fournier's teacher father taught him here between 1891 and 1898, and as the above plaque states, the character 'Le Grand Meaunes' was born here. The school was also the family home.
A broad view of the front elevation, with the well in the foreground.
The school was an important building in local villages, and here (as elsewhere) part of it doubled as the Mairie, or town hall.
Albanie Fournier, Henri's mother, taught the infants' section (with some initial controversy).
The junior class, where Henri's father taught pupils aged from nine to thirteen.
The kitchen at the foot of the staircase.
The family dining room.
The red drawing room, to which Albanie would often retire.
The bedroom where Henri's parents slept.
The attic, in effect the place where Le Grand Meaunes was created.
The rear elevation, which looks out onto a large lawn.
Er, I'll just use the polite expression 'toilettes à la turque'.
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