Castle of Terre Neuve, Renaissance castle in Fontenay-le-Comte, France
The Castle of Terre Neuve is a Renaissance estate near Fontenay-le-Comte with decorated porches, ornate woodwork, and two historical doors from the time of François I. The property spreads across grounds with green spaces and displays architectural features that define its appearance throughout.
Nicolas Rapin, High Provost of the Constables of France and companion to Henry IV, began construction of this residence in 1584. The founding of the estate marked the rise of his family as an important aristocratic force in the region.
The castle holds furnishings and architectural details from the Renaissance era, collected during the 19th century from across French monuments. These pieces reflect the artistic tastes and refinement of that historical period.
The property can be explored through guided tours that provide insight into the rooms and their history. A shop on-site sells souvenirs including knight figurines and historical objects for visitors to take home.
Marquis Octave de Rochebrune created roughly 500 etchings of major French monuments in the 19th century, many produced on the castle grounds. This graphic collection stands as a rare record of French architecture from that era.
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