Château de Montigny-le-Gannelon, by Lydiane and Aymar de la Motte Saint-Pierre
The Château de Montigny-le-Gannelon, located in the Eure-et-Loir department in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France, is a remarkable Renaissance-style castle with origins dating back to 1495. This beautiful estate is surrounded by a 15-hectare park and is known for its stunning Renaissance west front, modified in 1876 by a pupil of Viollet-le-Duc. The château features impressive turrets and a watchtower, and its interior includes the Salon des Dames, the Grand Salon, the Billiards Room, and the Kings’ Dining Room.
The history of the Château de Montigny-le-Gannelon is fascinating, with its earliest construction possibly being a fortress during Charlemagne’s time, followed by another fortress built in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 12th century. The current Renaissance structure was built around 1495 by Jacques de Renty. Notable historical figures associated with the château include Anne-Adrien-Pierre de Montmorency-Laval, a French ambassador under Kings Louis XVIII and Charles X.
The castle underwent significant changes in the 18th and 19th centuries, including the addition of a new pavilion in 1834 and a neo-Gothic east façade in 1879, designed by Clément Parent, a student of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. The château’s interiors are rich in history, with Renaissance ceilings and a collection of portraits of French marshals from the Levis family.
Currently, the Château de Montigny-le-Gannelon is open to the public, offering guided tours that allow visitors to explore its historical richness and architectural beauty. The estate also hosts various events, including weddings and seminars, and its beautiful grounds provide a perfect setting for a walk and relaxation.