Château de Glénay

Glénay, France

Château de Glénay, with its origins in the 12th century, began as a fortified house overseeing the Thouaret River. Over time, it transformed into a castle, witnessing various modifications and restorations, particularly after the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion. Occupied by notable families, including the Vignerot de Pontcourlays, who later became Dukes of Richelieu, the castle saw visits from historical figures like Cardinal de Richelieu and Henri de La Trémoille.

Post the 17th century, ownership changed hands, leading to periods of neglect and repurposing. After the French Revolution, the castle became an agricultural estate, and the once-grand residence succumbed to nature. However, it gained historical recognition and protection in the 20th century, ensuring its preservation.

Currently a private estate, the Château de Glénay is undergoing a meticulous restoration project since 2021, focusing on restoring its original features. The efforts aim to revive the castle's historical charm, showcasing its architectural and cultural significance.

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

Rating

4.1/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Frédéric RENAUD (8 months ago)
For heritage days very interesting the restoration presentation by the owners I recommend very friendly
Christine Mathieu (2 years ago)
Beautiful castle undergoing renovation. Bucolic setting. Private but can be discovered from the road.
Paul Pérucaud (4 years ago)
An interesting addition to the visit to the Saint-Martin de Glénay church This place offers ruins but also entire buildings to see. The whole is rich enough to nourish the imagination and curiosity. This castle which housed Richelieu for a while benefits from numerous protections from the M.H.: facades and roofs of the outbuildings, some plots, the piers of the bridge over the Thouaret (in 1995). Home, chapel and dovecote (in 2000). Built in the 12th century, often remodeled, enlarged, but also repaired after the Hundred Years and Religious Wars, it was largely rebuilt in the 16th century then demolished during the revolution. Access to the ruins is easy, but you cannot enter the buildings for reasons of security and/or closed private property.
daniel79 Daniel79 (5 years ago)
Good but not visitable, private land, on heritage days visit possible, castle in ruins, but interesting. Listed church in Glénay heritage days.
Guillaume Piquer-Jonquière (5 years ago)
Remains of a castle in a bucolic setting, a footbridge below, old mills on the hillside, like a moment of stopping in time, some research and time could restore this place to its aura, but it is emanates like a poetry of abandonment.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Château de Chantilly

The Château de Chantilly comprises two attached buildings: the Petit Château built around 1560 for Anne de Montmorency, and the Grand Château, which was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the 1870s. Owned by the Institut de France, the château houses the Musée Condé. It is one of the finest art galleries in France and is open to the public.

The estate"s connection with the Montmorency family began in 1484. The first mansion (now replaced by the Grand Château) was built in 1528–1531 for the Constable Anne de Montmorency by Pierre Chambiges. The Petit Château was also built for him, around 1560, probably by Jean Bullant. In 1632, after the death of Henri II, it passed to the Grand Condé who inherited it through his mother, Charlotte Marguerite de Montmorency.

Several interesting pieces of history are associated with the château during the 17th century.