Château de Menetou-Salon, Medieval castle in Menetou-Salon, France

The Château de Menetou-Salon is a former 12th-century fortress rebuilt and enlarged in Neo-Gothic style by Auguste d'Arenberg and architect Ernest Sanson between 1884 and 1890. Its cream and grey stone facade has a steep slate roof, dormer windows, tall chimneys, pinnacles and a round clock face. The south and east parts were reworked, while the north and west wings keep their classical look; the house has 24 fireplaces and 297 windows.

Jacques Cœur, treasurer of King Charles VII, purchased the castle in 1448 before it was confiscated and given to the king's mistress. This transfer marked a pivotal moment in the building's ownership history.

The name Menetou-Salon joins the village to the Salon family, and the estate passed in 1448 to Jacques Cœur, treasurer of Charles VII, before the king confiscated it and gave it to his mistress Antoinette de Maignelais. Inside, the dining room in the medieval wing, whose facade dates from the 14th century, is decorated with ceramics reproducing Arcimboldo's Seasons, and the entrance hall holds a statue of Agnès Sorel.

The château is a private property at 2, rue Prince Auguste d'Arenberg; visits cover five rooms plus the chapel, the harness room and the car collection. The north and west wings keep their classical appearance, while the south and east parts were rebuilt after the Second World War.

The entrance hall holds a statue of Agnès Sorel, mistress of Charles VII. The dining room, in the medieval wing with a 14th-century facade, is decorated with ceramics reproducing the motifs of Arcimboldo's Seasons. The billiard room displays painted and photographed portraits of the Arenberg family, on a red carpet, the colour of the princes of this château.