Château de La Ferté-Imbault

The Château de La Ferté-Imbault, located in the Loire Valley, France, is the largest brick château in Sologne and one of the oldest. Originally a medieval fortress, it was rebuilt during the Renaissance and served as the seat of the House of Estampes for four centuries. The estate once spanned thousands of hectares and included numerous farms and parishes.

The château features a rectangular design flanked by four towers, with expansive gardens, tree-lined alleys, and a moat fed by the Sauldre River. Its Renaissance façades showcase intricate brickwork and historical medallions. Outbuildings, including stables and pavilions, housed a cavalry unit under the Maréchal d’Estampes, who restored the château in the 17th century.

Throughout its history, the château endured fires, wars, and changes in ownership, hosting notable figures like Joan of Arc, Louis XIII, and Enlightenment luminaries connected to Madame Geoffrin. By the 19th century, it was modernized by English owners but later suffered damage during World War II. Restored in the 20th century, it remains privately owned and opens to visitors in summer. The estate includes formal gardens, a canal, and parklands with diverse wildlife.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Le Château 132, La Ferté-Imbault, France

Details

Founded: 16th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France