Château de Chavigny, Historical monument in Lerné, France.
Château de Chavigny is a historical castle in Lerné designed by architect Pierre Le Muet in 1637, featuring Renaissance galleries that connect two main wings. What remains visible today includes the communal courtyard, the castle platform, the entrance gateway, and a chapel staircase that can be seen from outside.
In 1634, Claude Bouthillier acquired the property and launched a major rebuilding project following new Renaissance designs. The transformation converted what had been a fortified manor into a modern aristocratic residence fitting the tastes of the era.
The estate shows how French noble homes changed from fortified manors to refined dwellings during the 1600s, reflecting shifts in how aristocrats lived and what they valued. Walking around the remaining structures, you can sense this shift from defense to elegance.
The remaining structures can be viewed from the street and surrounding areas, making it possible to observe the architectural details without needing special access. Visiting on foot allows you to walk around the site and view it from different angles to appreciate its layout.
Between 1839 and 1840, a significant portion of the castle was demolished to make room for a smaller residence on the property. The builders reused stone and materials from the original structure to construct this new, more modest dwelling.
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