The best road cycling routes around Saires

Luxury hotel and restaurant project. From the outside, the castle is interesting to see. It reminds me of the Château de Pierrefonds, in a miniature version. It is classified as a historic monument,

a priori that of Paradise is not far.

Location: 46.907001, -0.002937 http://www.thegreenwichmeridian.org/tgm/location.php?i_latitude=46.907001

He's a real eye-catcher!

Top top!

In 1631, to thank his minister, Cardinal Richelieu, for his eminent services, King Louis XIII did him the favor of erecting "a town enclosed by walls and moats and building a market hall" and establishing four annual fairs and two markets per week. Thus emerged from nothing, an "ideal city" according to the precepts of the time which would bear the name of the Cardinal. Richelieu entrusted Jacques Lemercier, architect of the king, author of the Sorbonne and the Palais-Royal, with the task of building, on the site of the family property, a vast castle, a reflection of his grandeur and a new city, nearby. Nearly 2000 workers would work on the site. Inside the walls, the Cardinal gave the land to whoever agreed to build a pavilion within two years according to the plans filed with the city registry. The inhabitants will be exempt from tax and gabelle until there are 100 houses built. 4/5 of the project will be completed between 1632 and 1642, the year of the Cardinal's death. Contrary to the words of Jean de la Fontaine (who also ironically described the town as "the most beautiful village in the universe"), far from being deserted, the town had 4,000 inhabitants in 1690, compared to less than 2,000 today. This innovative project, which linked the construction of a castle and a town in the same program, foreshadowed the Versailles construction site that would open 30 years after the completion of the city walls of Richelieu. Adjacent to the walls, Richelieu Park, with an area of 475 ha, housed the vast estate of the castle of the du Plessis family (original surname of Cardinal Richelieu), of which only a few vestiges remain today. Richelieu is now a somewhat unusual town in the French landscape, with its three access gates and its two large symmetrical squares. Organized in quadrilaterals and perpendicular streets in the manner of American cities, it offers a unique testimony to urban planning of the Grand Siècle.

Château de Dissay, located in Vienne, is a magnificent example of medieval and Renaissance architecture in France. Built in the 15th century, this castle is surrounded by a moat and formal gardens, providing an enchanting setting for a stroll. It is distinguished by its elegant round towers, slate roofs, and its façade decorated with sculpted details, which tell the rich history of this place. When visiting Château de Dissay, you can explore its sumptuous interiors, where history and refinement meet. The rooms are decorated with period furniture, tapestries, and works of art, giving a glimpse into the aristocratic life of yesteryear. The castle chapel, with its stained glass windows and frescoes, is a gem not to be missed. The castle's meticulously maintained gardens are another highlight of the visit. They invite you to stroll, with their flower-lined paths, geometric flowerbeds, and peaceful ponds. It is an ideal place to relax, admire the beauty of the landscape, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere that reigns here. Walking around the Château de Dissay is like taking a trip back in time, while enjoying the serenity and splendor of a preserved historical setting.

The Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Poitiers, a major building of Angevin Gothic architecture, is a jewel that deserves to be visited for several reasons. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it stands out for its imposing harmonious façade, adorned with two massive towers that dominate the urban landscape. Upon entering its doors, one discovers an interior that is impressive in its dimensions, with a bright and slender nave, supported by powerful pillars. One of the main reasons to visit this cathedral is the beauty of its stained glass windows, among the oldest and most remarkable in France. The large central stained glass window of the choir, dating from the 12th century, is a masterpiece of medieval art, depicting scenes from the life of Christ with a wealth of detail and colours that captivate the eye. The cathedral also houses historic organs, a musical treasure that makes the building resonate during concerts and religious services. Finally, Saint-Pierre de Poitiers is a place full of history, having seen many important events in the region. A visit is a dive into the spiritual and cultural heritage of Poitiers, offering a moment of meditation and admiration before the splendor of Gothic art.