Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil

The Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil is a medieval fortress with an octagonal layout, surrounded by seven circular towers arranged around a central courtyard. Thick defensive walls and a wide moat encircle the entire structure.

The fortress was established during the Hundred Years' War and remained the sole French stronghold in the region after the 1356 Battle of Poitiers. A residential wing was added later between 1500 and 1505, marking the shift from medieval fortress to Renaissance residence.

The castle gardens display French horticultural design through five enclosed pavilions, each dedicated to a specific theme and plant selection. Walking through them shows how spaces are carefully arranged to guide visitors through distinct green worlds.

Visits typically occur through guided tours explaining the fortress's history and structure, or through escape games offering interactive adventures. Overnight stays in guest accommodations on the grounds allow visitors to extend their experience.

The fortress combines two distinct building phases: a purely military medieval structure with a later residential wing in the Louis XII style. This blend shows how architectural priorities shifted from pure defense to residential comfort.