Billions of bilious blue blistering barnacles: the secrets of Marlinspike Hall!
Tintin aficionados can currently step into the shoes of their favourite comic strip hero thanks to the permanent exhibition 'the secrets of Marlinspike Hall', at the Château de Cheverny in France. This château in the Loire valley was in fact the inspiration for the design of Marlinspike Hall, the official residence of Tintin, Captain Haddock, Professor Calculus and their faithful servant Nestor.
Millions of readers have grown up with the comic strips, which recount the adventures of Tintin and his motley crew. Diehard fans can relive a number of events in the French château, including Tintin's journey of discovery throughout the various rooms, the notorious and chaotic invasion of Prince Abdullah, and the invention of the Supercolor-Trifonar. Visitors also have the opportunity to discover Tintin's bedroom.
Hergé found inspiration for the design of Marlinspike Hall in the prestigious Château de Cheverny. The château was built in the 17th century by Henri Hurault, lieutenant general and treasurer to King Louis XIII. The château is still inhabited by his descendants today.
However, the Belgian comic strip artist removed the two wings from each side of the real château, considering it to be too wide. In the French version, Marlinspike Hall is referred to as Moulinsart, an inverted form of the Walloon village of Sart-Moulin.