The château

It was his son, Raymond d'Austry, who built the Château as we know it today.

In the course of the 16th century, Raymond d'Austry added new buildings to those already in existence - in particular the kitchen dating from the end of the 15th century. In 1564, he had the southern wing of the estate built, known at the time as the "new house of Fontanges" - a wing historically reserved for the master of the house. The five-storey tower of the north wing, which can be seen today in the central courtyard of the Château, was built at the end of the 16th century by the master builder Pierre Ragonde. The second tower of the north wing was built later.

In addition to the exterior architecture of the Château, Raymond d'Austry also left his mark on the interior. He had his coat of arms sculpted on one of the two fireplaces in the south wing, consisting of an ostrich, a lion, three birds and the auster - the figure of the south wind. In the current dining room, the French ceiling commissioned by Raymond d'Austry can also be admired. The room was also decorated with murals, trompe l'oeil representing niches with statues, but these no longer exist.

In 1791, the estate was sold as national property. At the end of the 20th century, renovation work was undertaken in order to restore its function as a place of welcome and sharing by opening the doors of its hotel.

An exceptional place that has stood the test of time, that fills with wonder and whose history still retains its secrets... Archives from the 18th century attest to the possible existence of a cave in the eastern part of the estate, under the old gallery - the current restaurant...

A history - and secrets - to which only Fontanges holds all the keys.

The Château de Fontanges continues to amaze its visitors and to write its history...