Château de Fontaine-Henry, Renaissance castle in Fontaine-Henry, France.
The Château de Fontaine-Henry is a Renaissance castle in Normandy notable for its intricately carved stone facades and remarkably high roofs. The structure displays characteristic French architecture of this period with elegant proportions and decorative details across its exterior.
The castle began as a fortress in the 13th century and was substantially transformed in the 16th century by architect Blaise Le Prestre into a residence. This transformation marked the shift from a military structure to a stately residential home of the Renaissance period.
The rooms inside display paintings by artists such as Rubens and Hyacinthe Rigaud, including a notable portrait of Maria Serra, mother of Louis XIV. These works shape the character of the chambers and tell of the castle's connections to French royalty.
A visit requires advance planning as guided tours need to be reserved by email in advance and the castle is closed on certain days. It makes sense to check the exact opening days before traveling to avoid disappointment.
The Marquis of Oilliamson offers special roof tours on the last Sunday of each month, allowing visitors to explore the highest roofs of the castle. This rare opportunity provides an unusual view of the region and architecture from a perspective that remains hidden from most visitors.
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