Castle of Ancy-le-Franc

Ancy Le Franc Castle is a Renaissance magnate residence designed by Italian architects Sebastiano Serlio and Pierre Lescot. Built on a square plan, it has an internal courtyard and original wall paintings depicting mythological and allegorical scenes have been preserved.

The castle was built on the site of a 12th century stronghold. It was built in the mid-16th century for the Clermont family. During the French Revolution it was looted, but the owners managed to recover it at the beginning of the 19th century and carry out the necessary repairs. It is now open to the public, and at the beginning of the 21st century it was thoroughly renovated.

The castle premises surround a square courtyard. They are richly decorated with panels, pilasters and cornices. In the corners of the building there are square pavilions imitating towers. The interiors received rich stucco and painting decorations. These are both geometric and floral paintings, as well as cycles of allegorical scenes and references to ancient myths. The castle has a variety of themed routes tailored to the interests of both children and adults.