Château de Villefranche

Château de Villefranche is a Renaissance castle with a U-shaped layout surrounded by four round towers and centered around an inner courtyard. The complex contains three building sections that together create a self-contained architectural composition.

Construction began in 1545 under Jean Imbert d'Ardennes and finished in 1553 following Renaissance architectural ideals. The castle has held protected monument status since 2005, reflecting its ongoing historical importance.

The walls display carved stone ornaments from the Renaissance period that reflect French artistic craftsmanship of the 1500s. These details shape how the rooms feel today and show the artistic care that went into every element.

The castle welcomes visitors while keeping some areas private for conservation purposes. It is wise to check beforehand which sections are open for viewing and how to reach the location.

A monumental fireplace in the main hall reveals the exceptional craftsmanship of the building era through its grand scale and detailed work. This single element shows the quality invested throughout the entire castle.

Location: Villeneuve-lès-Bouloc

Address: Villefranche

GPS coordinates: 43.77316,1.38777

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:24