CHÂTEAU DE MAULNES
A pentagonal Renaissance château in the Tonnerrois forest, once a hunting lodge. Staircase inspired by Chambord.
Located in the heart of the Tonnerrois forest, it's hard to imagine a Renaissance palace here. And yet, in the middle of the16th century, the Duc d'Uzès and his companion Louise Clermont-Tonnerre chose this very spot to build an extraordinary hunting lodge. Nearly five centuries later, the Château de Maulnes remains a true Renaissance enigma. A nugget, too. For this pentagonal château is one of only two of its kind in Europe.
Beyond its shape, Maulnes has had a particularly troubled history: transformed into a glassworks in the 18th century, then bought by successive owners who neglected it, it wasn't until 1997 that the Département de l'Yonne finally purchased its ruins, before embarking on a long and extensive restoration project. Restoration work will be completed in autumn 2023! Today, the monument is more flamboyant than ever.
A must-see (among other marvels!) is the staircase, an astonishing replica of the one at Château de Chambord. Above all, from April to November, Maulnes offers a wide range of educational and entertaining activities and workshops. Treasure hunts, historical re-enactments, Renaissance Days (in July), Fire Night and Shooting Star Night (in August), an introduction to architecture, self-service antique games or an ephemeral labyrinth all summer long...: there's something for every taste, generation and passion!
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