Château de Selles-sur-Cher et pavillons dorés de Philippe de Béthune

Selles-sur-Cher

At Selles-sur-Cher, the château preserves successive layers. According to English Wikipedia, Theobald I of Blois had a keep built on the motte at the end of the 10th century. Ginon de Mehun raised a fortified castle around 1140. Robert de Courtenay replaced it in 1212 with a château with three corner towers. But the most singular page opens in 1604. Philippe de Béthune, former ambassador of Henry IV, then bought the ruins at the age of 40, to retire there with his family and friends, according to the château's website. Jacques II Androuet du Cerceau drew up the plans, and the work lasted more than seven years. The façades suggest three storeys, whereas the interior has seven: a deliberate illusion. In the gilded pavilions, the ceiling of the work room has 162 compartments painted in gold on a blue ground, with the Béthune coats of arms. After the sale of 1719, the Bande noire destroyed the west gallery in 1813. Wall paintings of the 17th century were rediscovered in September 2021. English Wikipedia dates them “around 1625”; this date remains to be verified.

Getting there: On the banks of the Cher, in Selles-sur-Cher; visiting conditions to be checked on the château's website. Coordinates: English Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap (Nominatim), consistent.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound