Château de Châteaudun

Châteaudun, France

Château de Châteaudun was built between the 12th and 16th centuries. The Count of Blois Thibaut V had the keep built around 1170. The Sainte-Chapelle was built between 1451 and 1493. The choir and the high chapel were built between 1451 and 1454, with the nave and the oratory between 1460 and 1464. Jehan de Dunois, the bâtard d'Orléans (Bastard of Orléans), built the west wing (the "aile Dunois") between 1459 and 1468. The bell tower was erected in 1493.

François I of Orléans-Longueville began construction of the north wing between 1469 and 1491. The upper floors were added by François II d'Orléans-Longueville and his descendants during the first quarter of the 16th century.

Today the castle includes a keep, a chapel (Sainte-Chapelle), the Dunois wing and the Longueville wing. Château de Châteaudun overlooks the Loir river. Perched on a limestone outcrop, it shows its origins as a 12th century fortress. Converted during the Renaissance into a comfortable residence, the main body of the building is roofed in the gothic style. It still has, notably, a finely carved staircase from this period. Renovated since the 1930s, the castle has been classed as a historic monument since 1918.

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Details

Founded: 1170
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

DEBRA TILSON (2 years ago)
Empty, but that's good it leaves the decoration to your imagination. Fabulous views across the valley. Helpful staff, who speak some English. No food, but there is a coffee machine.
Fred Johnson (2 years ago)
Beautiful historic town and château, well worth a visit.
Andrew Showler (3 years ago)
A great place to visit. Wander around the empty chateau and Chapel. The grounds and garden are well kept and the high rooms give you some great views over the town. There is a aire de camping car at the bottom of the hill, it has a picnic area by the river and toilet.
Lara Q. (3 years ago)
Beautiful medieval town with an impressive castle on a rock cliff. The visit to the chateau was free (on the Sunday we visited, I think it is normally about €6.5), and included all premises, the chapel and the dungeon tower. There are guided tours (free as well, at least that day) every hour, but only in French. A good 1-day visit and not too far from Paris.
Laura Buszewski (3 years ago)
If you visit Châteaudun be sure you come in time, unfortunately we didn't. So the advice they gave was too come back, either midday our the next day, so we could enjoy everything. So therefore the 4 stars for their honesty. Unfortunately we weren't able to go back. But the outside and surroundings were great. The medieval centre they could put the same beautiful flowers as in centre Ville, that would be a real asset ?
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