Château de Challeau

The Château de Challeau is a medieval castle located in the communes of Dormelles and Villecerf, near Fontainebleau in the department of Seine et Marne, France.

History

• The first Château de Challeau was built in the 11th to 12th century as a fortified building. It features a 6m high and 1.3m thick curtain wall surrounding an area approximately 30m by 24m, with rounded watchtowers at the corners.
• The castle did not have a central keep, and internal buildings seem to have been limited to temporary shelters.
• The castle was modified in the 15th century during the Hundred Years War. After the French Revolution, it was confiscated as a bien national and sold to Guillot de Blancheville.
• It was recovered by the descendants of its original owners in 1937 and restored.

Ancient History

• A second château was built near Fontainebleau in the 1540s for Anne de Pisseleu, duchesse d'Étampes, mistress of Francis I of France. The design is attributed to Pierre Chambiges, who later created the first Château de la Muette with a similar design.
• The château was sold to Pierre Le Charron, a courtier of King Henry IV, in the 17th century and altered to become the home of Gabrielle d'Estrées.
• Louis XIII permitted Claude Le Charron to rename the castle as the Château de Saint-Ange after his term as French ambassador at the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome.

Architecture

The first Château de Challeau features a unique design with a curtain wall surrounding an area approximately 30m by 24m. The castle does not have a central keep, and internal buildings seem to have been limited to temporary shelters. Rounded watchtowers are located at the corners of the curtain wall.

The second château built in the 1540s is attributed to Pierre Chambiges and features a similar design to the first Château de la Muette.

Location

The Château de Challeau is located in the communes of Dormelles and Villecerf, near Fontainebleau in the department of Seine et Marne, France. The address is D 22.

Current Status and Use

The château has undergone various transformations over the centuries. Today, it remains a significant historical landmark in the region.

Heritage Status

The park around the ruins was given protected status in 1951.

Visiting Information

Visitors can access the Château de Challeau to explore its history and architecture. However, no information is available on current visiting hours or guided tours.

Notable Features and Rooms

No specific details are available on notable features and rooms within the châteaux.