Castle of Esclimont, Renaissance castle in Auneau-Bleury-Saint-Symphorien, France.
The Castle of Esclimont is a Renaissance fortress with six towers and turrets surrounded by a protective moat. The property sits within a formal French garden and currently operates as a luxury hotel with 52 rooms.
Built in 1543 for Archbishop Étienne Poncher of Tours, it replaced an earlier medieval fortress on the site. Major renovations in the 19th century transformed the structure into its current appearance.
The castle serves as a film location and has hosted numerous movie productions over the years. Its architecture and gardens provide an appealing backdrop for cinematographers seeking period settings.
The castle has multiple entrances and is easy to navigate, with pathways leading through the gardens and around the towers. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the grounds are extensive and stairs connect the various levels.
The property was acquired by a Chinese investor in 2015 and has since operated as a luxury hotel. This unexpected international ownership of a classical French castle shows how historic estates adapt to new owners and purposes.
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