Château de Menars

Château de Menars is a historic castle on the Loire River in Menars, famously linked to Madame de Pompadour.

History

Built around 1646 by Guillaume Charron, the castle initially featured a main building with two pavilions. Expanded by his son Jean-Jacques Charron in 1669, it became a marquisate under Louis XIV in 1676. In 1725, Louis XV gifted the estate to Queen Marie Leszczyńska’s parents, who lived there until 1736.

Madame de Pompadour acquired the castle in 1760, commissioning Ange-Jacques Gabriel to add two new wings and several pavilions, including the Pavilion of the Clock and Pavilion of the Meridian. Interior alterations included new woodwork and subterranean connections. After Pompadour’s death in 1764, her brother, the Marquis de Marigny, continued renovations, adding French-style roofs and expanding the side court.

In 1830, Joseph, Prince de Caraman-Chimay, established a school on the estate, constructing additional buildings and a gas works.

Architecture

Despite successive additions, the château retains a 17th-century simplicity. Notable features include the main building’s large gallery, ornate woodwork, and a stone staircase. The library’s mahogany dado and other elements reflect Marigny’s contributions.

Gardens

Originally designed with formal parterres, canals, and avenues, the gardens were reimagined by Marigny, who added an English garden, a grotto, and various follies. He also created a terrace for displaying sculptures and enhanced the grounds with trellises, hedges, and a kitchen garden. Key features include the Rotunda of Abundance, a nymphaeum by Soufflot, and a Chinese-style kiosk by Charles De Wailly.

The Château de Menars is a harmonious blend of 17th- and 18th-century architectural and landscaping styles, reflecting its rich history.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Le Château 15, Menars, France

Details

Founded: 1646
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in France