Chanteloup Castle

The origins of the Château date back to the 11th century. Indeed, the first traces of the presence of the Chanteloup family date back to 1042. From the 12th-14th centuries, the castle’s foundations have survived, along witha tower and a keep. The château has undergone many modifications over the years, and its history is reflected in its architecture. During the Hundred Years’ War, the château was a stronghold that the English would like to take from the French. In the 15th century, in just 31 years, the château was captured 3 times by the English, but each time recovered by its owner, Louis d’Estouteville, captain and defender of Mont-Saint-Michel. The château suffered enormously during the conflict, and Louis d’Estouteville had to rebuild part of it. To honor this great family, in August 1470, King Louis XI spent 2 days here with his retinue, returning from his pilgrimage to Mont St Michel. A century of peace followed, the most prosperous period for Château de Chanteloup, shattered by the Wars of Religion. In 1592, the lord of Chanteloup, a Huguenot – i.e. Protestant – was besieged by the Ligueurs. The siege lasted 7 months, but the besieged resisted! And in spite of themselves, the Ligueurs finally gave up. During the Revolution, the Renaissance facade was threatened with destruction because of its sculptures, deemed contrary to revolutionary ideas. The owner managed to save it in extremis. But the château still suffers from this period. During the Second World War, the château was used as a training base for young German troops. Today, the castle is still inhabited, making it a “living” castle. And despite its almost 1,000 years of history, the château has only been sold twice.