Château de Selles-sur-Cher

Château de Selles-sur-Cher dates originally back to the late 10th century, when Theobald I, Count of Blois, built a dungeon into the mound. Around 1140, Ginon de Mehun built a fortified castle on the site. In 1212, Robert de Courtenay of the Capetian House of Courtenay built a new castle with three corner towers and a gatehouse.

In the second half of the 16th century, the north and south pavilions and a south gatehouse were built, most likely for the de Trémouille family, lords of Selles. The pavilions, main entrance and interior of the 13th-century gatehouse were redesigned in 1612 for Philippe de Béthune, count of Selles, by architect Jacques Androuet II du Cerceau.

In 1719, Anne-Marie-Louise de Béthune, sister of the queen of Poland, sold the castle to Cardin Lebret, count of Selles. In 1810, Armand-Louis-Jean de Jehannot, Marquis de Bartillat, owned the castle and began significant renovations. However, in 1813 the Bande noire destroyed the west gallery. Starting in 1880, the castle underwent significant restoration work under the du Moulinet d'Hardemare family. Architect Pierre Chauvallon led a major restoration of the château in 1913.

Château today

The restored château hosts today festivals and other events. In 2016, a 300-year-old Lebanon Cedar on the grounds of the castle was named a 'Remarkable Tree of France'. In 2021, painted murals from the 17th century were uncovered in the salle des pavillons dorés. The murals were hidden behind wallpaper and plaster, which was removed with a scalpel during a six-week process. These paintings, which included mythological scenes and Latin maxims, were probably made around 1625, when Philippe de Béthune converted the gilded pavilion into a living room.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Le Château 1, Selles-sur-Cher, France

Details

Founded: 1212
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Late Capetians (France)