Chateau de Leveville, Medieval castle in Bailleau-l'Évêque, France
The Château de Leveville is a castle in Bailleau-l'Évêque featuring a distinctive multicolored brick facade shaped by construction from the 15th through 17th centuries. Fortified walls and a moat surround the structure, and a chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalene sits on the grounds.
Michel le Vacher commissioned the original construction of the castle between 1479 and 1506, a project spanning multiple decades. Later owners expanded and modified the structure over the following 200 years, adapting it to new needs.
The castle shows how French builders mixed Gothic and Renaissance forms in its brick walls, revealing changing tastes across centuries. Different additions and renovations remain visible, each marking what its owners valued during their time.
The castle sits on a plateau above Chartres with direct access to surrounding gardens and the chapel. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear since the terrain is uneven and the fortified walls include multiple levels.
During World War II, the castle served as a control center for German forces until American troops captured it in 1944. This brief but intense period left physical marks on the walls and fortifications that remain visible today.
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