Château de Charleval

The castle exterior displays French Renaissance architectural elements with a central pavilion and two symmetrical wings extending from its core structure.

Construction of the château began in 1570 under King Charles IX, who commissioned architects Jacques I and Jean-Baptiste Androuet du Cerceau for this grand project.

The castle grounds now function as an open-air contemporary art gallery, presenting works from numerous artists throughout the landscaped spaces.

The castle remains partially incomplete, with only one pavilion and the service building containing a monumental fireplace in the Charles IX hall accessible today.

The initial plans for the château intended it to be four times larger than the Château de Chambord, but construction halted after King Charles IX died in 1574.

Location: Charleval

Inception: 1570

Architects: Jacques I Androuet du Cerceau, Jean-Baptiste Androuet du Cerceau

Architectural style: French Renaissance architecture

GPS coordinates: 49.37014,1.38172

Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:53