There are 12 ovens from the 19th century which transfer heat via a Roman style heating system to the chateau above. Gleaming copper pots line the wall, the vegetables are from the chateau potager which the countess, a keen botanist, is restoring to 19th century style with heirloom vegetables.
A guide tells me there would have been 15 people cooking for about 50 people... children would do the fetching and carrying. The room dates back to at least the 14th century and was probably a chapel but it was renovated in the 15th century and turned into a kitchen.
This place is quite stunning, unique and astonishing - a glimpse at how the other half live that you'll rarely encounter.