Château de Menars, Menars, France

Château de Menars is a historic castle on the Loire River in Menars, famously linked to Madame de Pompadour.

History

Built around 1646 by Guillaume Charron, the castle initially featured a main building with two pavilions. Expanded by his son Jean-Jacques Charron in 1669, it became a marquisate under Louis XIV in 1676. In 1725, Louis XV gifted the estate to Queen Marie Leszczyńska’s parents, who lived there until 1736.

Madame de Pompadour acquired the castle in 1760, commissioning Ange-Jacques Gabriel to add two new wings and several pavilions, including the Pavilion of the Clock and Pavilion of the Meridian. Interior alterations included new woodwork and subterranean connections. After Pompadour’s death in 1764, her brother, the Marquis de Marigny, continued renovations, adding French-style roofs and expanding the side court.

In 1830, Joseph, Prince de Caraman-Chimay, established a school on the estate, constructing additional buildings and a gas works.

Architecture

Despite successive additions, the château retains a 17th-century simplicity. Notable features include the main building’s large gallery, ornate woodwork, and a stone staircase. The library’s mahogany dado and other elements reflect Marigny’s contributions.

Gardens

Originally designed with formal parterres, canals, and avenues, the gardens were reimagined by Marigny, who added an English garden, a grotto, and various follies. He also created a terrace for displaying sculptures and enhanced the grounds with trellises, hedges, and a kitchen garden. Key features include the Rotunda of Abundance, a nymphaeum by Soufflot, and a Chinese-style kiosk by Charles De Wailly.

The Château de Menars is a harmonious blend of 17th- and 18th-century architectural and landscaping styles, reflecting its rich history.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Алексей Иванов (9 months ago)
Great place to relax. There is a set of tools for bicycle repair, as well as a tire inflator. There is a charging station and various types of cable connectors for electric bikes and scooters. Also information and history about the town, the history of memorable places.

Kyuhyung Lee (10 months ago)
In summer of 2011, I was one of the participants in an international volunteer effort to renovate this place. Thank you for reminding me of precious memories.

Anne Perol (11 months ago)
Small, nice and shady picnic area on the Loire bike route. But don't see the Loire.

Rustaman (2 years ago)
An area for recreation, charging bicycles, minor repairs, and you can get wheels. A tap with water (drinking) is included. Several tables, open and in the shade under a canopy. There is a toilet. Nearby is the former fountain of the Menard castle (now more of a pond for fish).

Andrew W (2 years ago)
Shade and bathrooms(natural)

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

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Château de Menars

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