Jean de Dunois, known as the Bastard of Orleans, was a companion-in-arms to Joan of Arc and responsible for the castle's major 15th-century transformation.
The 31-meter-high keep is one of the oldest in the region, built around 1170.
The Sainte-Chapelle contains a rare collection of 15th-century polychrome sculptures representing the Virgin Mary and the Apostles.
The castle was one of the first monuments in France to be classified as a 'Monument Historique' in 1840.
It contains a dedicated collection of 16th and 17th-century tapestries, including several depicting themes from the Old Testament.
The Château de Châteaudun is a rare architectural hybrid, featuring a 12th-century keep and 15th-century Gothic-style wings commissioned by Jean de Dunois. It stands on a rocky promontory overlooking the Loir River, serving as a primary example of the transition from medieval fortress to Renaissance residence. The site includes the Sainte-Chapelle, which houses a collection of 15th-century statues. Notable interiors include the Great Hall and the Dunois Wing, which retain original fireplaces and tapestries. The structure largely escaped the damage suffered by the surrounding town during the 1870 Franco-Prussian War. Its defensive features include a fortified wall and a machicolated gallery. The castle is owned and managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux.
From the opposite bank of the Loir River looking up at the castle's position on the limestone cliff.
Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the steep stone staircases inside the towers.
Visit the interior courtyard first to compare the contrasting architectural styles of the medieval and Renaissance sections.
Allow time to walk along the exterior ramparts for views of the surrounding Loir Valley.
Do not rely on street parking immediately in front of the gate; utilize designated visitor lots in the town center.
Closed on Mondays during the low season; often closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Maintain a quiet volume inside the Sainte-Chapelle; photography is permitted but do not use flash near historic tapestries.
