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The Eure-et-Loir market town of Chateaudun on
the Loir (without the 'e') river is notable for its grand chateau
which looks out of place sitting as it does on its limestone outcrop
at such a great height above the town. It was home to Jean de
Dunois, comrade in arms of Joan of Arc. It has evolved from its 12th
century fortress origins to be the building it is today with the
help of various noblemen adding wings and with the Renaissance
leaving its mark as well. It has been listed as a 'monument historique'
since 1918.
On a clear day, the views from the top of the
chateau are quite breathtaking. As is the trek up the
finely carved staircase to take them in!
Inside has been restored with care and
taste with the rooms having been lightly furniture and hung
with 17th and 18th century tapestries. Its most unusual feature is
the dungeon, located next to the main kitchen. It must have been
pretty horrendous for the prisoners starving while sumptuous meals were
being prepared just inches from their noses!
From July to September
the kitchens come back to life with the sights, sounds and
smells of banquets, accompanied by period music, to rekindle
the splendours and 'art de vivre' of grand dinners in the Middle
Ages.
You are cordially
invited to the "Table de Jean de Dunois" to savour authentic dishes
of the 15th century.
The town with its 16th century
half-timbered houses, church and square is charming like so many
others in France. The walkway under the shadow of the chateau
above the river valley, has been turned into a public garden.
In the
past the town was an important centre for the grain trading, which
took place on the main square every Thursday.
Its location at the crossroads of the routes between Paris and Tours
and Orléans and Le Mans
provided
the town prosperity during its
early history
