15th and 16th Century

Residence of the cardinal Charles de Lorraine, archbishop of Reims, and Duke of Chevreuse, the 15th century castle was considered by its owner as too austere. It was decided to completely rebuild the castle, making it bigger and embellishing it in the taste of the 16th century.

In his book  ‘The Most Excellent Buildings of France‘, Jacques I Androuet du Cerceau illustrates and documents this building.^[3]

18th Century

During the 18th century, the outside appearance of the castle did not change much. However, many ameliorations were made in the different rooms, where intricate woodwork replaced the worn out ornaments of the 17 th century.

In 1758, an imposing entrance gate was installed in front of the castle.^[3]

19th Century

Honoré Théodoric d'Albert de Luynes, the eighth Duke of Luynes, undertook deep restorations in order to showcase his scientific collection.

He hired Felix Duban to remodel the castle in the taste of the day while still maintaining the century long history of the building.

This created a mix of different styles brought by all the greatest artists of the time.^[3]