The Château de Beauregard, a former hunting lodge of Francis I, is a an essential stop for history loversIt houses within its premises the famous "Portrait Gallery" and its 327 illustrious figures, the largest collection of historical portraits in Europe. Inhabited by the same family since 1926Beauregard has constantly improved and developed since its origin.
At the end of the 15th century, François Doulcet's manor was confiscated by King Louis XII. Beauregard then joined the properties of the King of France and became a hunting lodge for Francis I, which he gave in 1520 to his uncle René of Savoy.
In 1545, Jean du Thier, Secretary of State for Finance to King Henry II, acquired the estate. He undertook significant renovations: a gallery and a wing were added to the original building. Beauregard then presented a harmonious architectureThe castle is heavily Italianate. The roofs still feature tall white chimneys known as "Chambord-style." Of the interior decoration commissioned by Jean du Thier, his study, nicknamed "the Bell Room," survives on the first floor of the castle. It has retained its delicate carved oak paneling and coffered ceiling over the centuries.
Paul Ardier, minister of King Louis XIII, withdrew from political life and bought the estate to spend the rest of his days there. His major work was the decoration of the castle's grand gallery. Between 1620 and 1638, 327 portraits were placed on the walls of the room constituting what was then the most important collection of historical portraits known in Europe. His son and granddaughter completed the display with the Delft pavingThe ceiling paintings in lapis lazuli and the wall woodwork. The Ardier family left the estate in 1816.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, modifications were made to Beauregard Castle. The Tillier family modernized it by installing running water and central heating then undertook a first restoration campaign, both of the buildings and the park. Since 1925, the castle has belonged to the Du Pavillon family.
A visit to Beauregard is also an opportunity to discover the park and its Portrait Garden, an contemporary garden designed by Gilles ClémentHe skillfully combines 400 species of perennials and shrubs.
- Continue your exploration of the Loire Valley with the circuit On the Loir-et-Cher castle route which includes the Château de Beauregard.
