Château de Sablé, Historical castle in Sablé-sur-Sarthe, France.
The Château de Sablé is a castle with five stories featuring Gothic fireplaces, marble decoration, oak parquet flooring, and painted ceilings across its main rooms. The property includes outbuildings, exhibition spaces, and equestrian facilities set within landscaped grounds.
The castle was built between 1717 and 1750 by architect Claude Desgots for Jean-Baptiste Colbert and later belonged to the Duke of Chaulnes during the 19th century. The city of Sablé-sur-Sarthe took ownership in the 20th century after an industrial period.
The castle houses a national preservation center that protects important collections for France's national library since 1979. Visitors can observe how this building serves as a cultural hub working to safeguard knowledge for future generations.
The castle is accessible and can be explored over a half day visit, taking in the rooms and outdoor areas. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for weather changes, especially when spending time in the surrounding grounds.
From 1919 to 1960, the building operated as a chicory factory processing plant roots into coffee substitute. This industrial past left marks on the structure and shows how historical buildings have been repurposed across different eras.
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