Chateau de Chateaudun
Chateau de Chateaudun
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About Chateau de Chateaudun
Add to favoritesA microcosm of French history Proudly overlooking the Loir Valley from atop a rocky spur, the Château de Châteaudun presents a unique silhouette where several centuries of architecture are superimposed. The monument is famous for its impressive 12th-century circular keep, one of the best preserved in the world, which stands alongside a Sainte-Chapelle built by Jean de Dunois, the infamous "Bastard of Orléans" and companion-in-arms of Joan of Arc. This rare juxtaposition allows visitors to observe, on a single site, the stark and fascinating transition between the austere military fortress and the comfortable lordly residence of the late Middle Ages. The interior of the château houses unexpected treasures, including a collection of Gobelins and Beauvais tapestries, as well as a monumental staircase with finely sculpted Renaissance decoration. The two wings of the château (the Dunois wing and the Longueville wing) perfectly illustrate the transition from Flamboyant Gothic to Renaissance style. Wandering through its vaulted rooms and medieval kitchens, the visitor travels back in time, carried by the spirit of chivalry and the elegance of the first great French pleasure houses.
Tip for an even more exceptional visit.
The Hanging Garden and the Secret View Don't leave the castle without exploring its hanging gardens, unique in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Located on terraces overlooking the Loir River, these medieval-inspired gardens offer not only a fragrant respite with their medicinal and aromatic plants, but also the best vantage point for photographing the impressive verticality of the castle walls. For an optimal experience, try to schedule your visit for late afternoon: the golden light on the limestone gives the facade an absolutely magnificent honey hue.
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square_foot
1550
The construction of the Longueville wing is complete, featuring a Renaissance staircase of unparalleled sculptural finesse in the region.
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