Châteauroux, Centre-Val de Loire 36000

In Berry, a spectacular fortified castle restored, with hotel-level amenities. The iconic silhouette of the castle, with its tall towers and expansive roofs, seems to rise from the landscape. The complex was built in the 15th century. Originally, the castle included 14 towers and a keep, making it one of the region's principal fortresses. During the Wars of Religion, it passed into Protestant hands. By order of Richelieu, it was partially dismantled to weaken the Huguenot stronghold. Today, seven towers remain. Thoroughly restored in 1850 on the advice of the famous architect Viollet-le-Duc, the castle has since undergone a complete and very careful rehabilitation over about thirty years. Several of its towers and even the keep retain original timber framing, which is remarkable given the transformations over the centuries. All the walls are stone rubble with exposed stone. The keep facade and the crenellated parts of the entrance gate towers are ashlar stone. The keep, the residential blocks, and four of the seven towers are topped with steep slate roofs, with strong pitches. The other towers have flat roofs hidden by a crenellation crown. A little away from the main building, outbuildings are grouped around several courtyards. The park slopes down to the river. The swimming pool has been laid out on a grassy terrace, and the tennis court is discreetly sheltered behind an outbuilding. The domains commanding position provides expansive views of the surrounding countryside.