With its high towers and its deep
ditches, Sully sur Loire is a great example of a medieval fortress.
It was built at the end of 14th century on a
location that offered a rare crossing of the
Loire river. Maximilien de Béthune
(1560-1641) was the first Duke of Sully, he bought the
chatreau in 1602, he strengthened the embankments of the Loire to
protect the town from occasional flooding, created the gardens and it was he who was mainly responsible for its
restoration.
The style is very similar externally to the chateau at
Chaumont.
It remained in his family before finally passing to the
state in 1962.They have since worked continuously at its restoration.
It is very impressive externally whether you are visiting by day or
when it is flood-lit in the evening.
The Duke of Sully was the
First Minister of Henri1V and together they gave France 20 years of
much-needed peace. Following the Wars of Religion, the Edict of
Nantes guaranteed religious tolerance.
He was passionate about tree-planting and he is credited by many as having started the tradition of planting poplars alongside roads - an image which, for many, typifies France.
Inside the chateau you will find
the usual array of tapestries, paintings, sculptures and French
period furniture though these are sparse. The Louis XV wing
has however, rooms decorated in a 17th century style to view. .
Six centuries after its construction the roof of the
Great Hall is still an impressive structure.
