1918 - CHATEAU TOUR OF FRANCE

 

Castle of Courtanvaux.  The first constructions date back to the 14th ^e century, when the lords of Bessé built a medieval mansion intended to comfort the  local population and act as protection in the event of conflict.

This fortress played a strategic role during the Middle Ages, particularly during the Hundred Years war. In 1427, on his way to join Joan of Arc at Orleans, the famous Gilles de Rais (Bluebeard) besieged the fortress which had been occupied by the English for many years.

Château de La Roche in the 17th century, because of repetitive floods, the castle lost its attraction, resembling more and more a fortified house that became a ruin in later centuries. At the end of the 1900s, an industrialist from Roanne bought the castle and restored it in the Gothic style, intending it as a second home.

 

Château Chardonneux in Saint-Biez-en-Belin is renowned as the "Le Mot et l'Image."Built in 1882 by architect Pierre-Félix Delarue, the château features Second Empire (Napoleon III) style architecture.

 

The Château de Gallerande is a historic private estate located in Pringé within the commune of Luché-Pringé in the Sarthe department of France. Originally built as a medieval fortress in the 11th century, it was heavily damaged during the Hundred Years' War and later rebuilt in the Renaissance style.

Built in the mid-19th century by architect Delarue, the Château du Luart is listed as a Historic Monument, along with its outbuildings, orangery, stables designed by Charles Garnier, and chapel.  This Renaissance-style ashlar building is laid out in a rectangular shape with round towers. A grand staircase leads to the front section of the main façade.