Manoir du Chastenay, Renaissance manor house in Arcy-sur-Cure, France
Manoir du Chastenay is a manor house in Arcy-sur-Cure built above a network of flooded caves below ground. It features a hexagonal stair tower and a corbelled turret that project from its Renaissance facade.
The manor was originally built in 1349 for Jean de Lys, but it received its current form during a major reconstruction in 1549 for the d'Aulnay family. Later modifications in 1875 adapted the structure to the tastes of that era.
The manor displays carved symbols throughout its structure, reflecting the interests of those who lived there in learning and knowledge of their time. These decorative elements show how art and spirituality were woven into the daily life of the household.
The manor is located at 38 Grande Rue in Arcy-sur-Cure and sits directly along the main street of town. The buildings were officially protected as a historical monument in 1971, which may affect visiting arrangements.
The medieval complex surrounding the manor includes round towers, with one that once functioned as a dovecote, features that visitors often overlook when passing by. The location also stands at the crossing point of two historic pilgrimage routes.
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