Château de Courtanvaux, Medieval castle in Bessé-sur-Braye, France.
Château de Courtanvaux is a castle complex in Bessé-sur-Braye situated between the Sarthe and Loir-et-Cher departments, spanning more than 60 hectares. The estate includes woodlands, formal gardens, an English-style park, and water features distributed across the grounds.
The castle began as a manor house in the 14th century and underwent significant expansion during the 15th century under Jacques Berziau, the king's secretary general. This growth period established it as a major noble residence in the region.
The castle displays a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, later reshaped by the Montesquiou-Fezensac family during the 19th century. These layered building phases reflect how successive owners adapted the structure to match their preferences.
The interior requires guided tours to visit, while the English park is freely accessible most of the time throughout the year. Plan your visit around tour schedules and note that the grounds may close during special events.
King Henry IV stayed here multiple times and elevated the estate to a marquisate in 1603 as honor for Gilles de Souvré. This royal recognition made it one of the favored retreats of French royalty.
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