Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Beauregard Castle, built in the 16th century in Cellettes (Loir-et-Cher), is a masterpiece of the French Renaissance. Acquired in 1545 by Jean Duthier, Secretary of State of Henri II and patron of the poets Ronsard and Du Bellay, he was transformed into an exceptional home. Duthier integrated the old medieval home into an elegant building, adding a central gallery connecting two building bodies, and created a Renaissance garden decorated with rare plants and fountains. The castle became a popular resort, described by Androuet du Cerceau in his book Des plus excellents bâtiments de France (1579).

In the 17th century, Paul Ardier, former controller general of the wars under Louis XIII, acquired Beauregard in 1617 and undertook ambitious works. He had the medieval north wing destroyed to erect two symmetrical wings surrounding the gallery, and designed the Gallery of Illustrators: a unique collection of 327 portraits of European political figures, covering 315 years of history (1328–1643). Three generations of his family enriched this project, combining art and historical pedagogy. The floor of the gallery was decorated with 5,500 tiles of earthenware of Delft, representing an army in march, while the blue ceiling, enhanced by lapis-lazuli, symbolized the fascist of the era.

The 19th century marked a turning point with the destruction of the north wing and the transformation of the rear façade, doubled to gain in mass. The park, originally in French, was redesigned in English, incorporating exotic species such as the Lebanese cedar or the Virginia tulip tree. In 1840 the castle was classified as a Historic Monument, and in 1992 its park was listed as an additional inventory. Since 1925, Gosselin's family has been restoring it, preserving the Galerie des Illustres — Europe's largest collection of historical portraits — and creating in 1992 a portrait garden inspired by Gilles Clément, where each plant space interacts with a section of history.

Among Beauregard's treasures, the Cabinet des Grelots (1554) is a rare example of Italian studiolo in France, adorned with woodwork carved by Francesco Scibec da Carpi and a box ceiling considered one of the most beautiful in the country. The castle, open to the public, attracts 20,000 annual visitors, offering a journey through art, history and botany. Since 2010, he has also hosted the International Portrait Fair, continuing his artistic vocation.

Beauregard's history reflects the architectural and cultural changes of France, from the Wars of Religion to the Industrial Revolution. Its 70-hectare park, combining Renaissance heritage and contemporary creations, bears witness to a constant dialogue between past and modernity. The recent restoration of the 17th century cooler and the digitization of the Galerie des Illustres (2020) illustrate this commitment to the transmission of heritage.

Future

The tour includes the 40-hectare castle and park, rich in many botanical varieties, renovated by landscaper Gilles Clément. In particular, there is the Jardin des Portraits, made up of twelve compartmentalized plots, a style of Lenôtre, and the orchard of Ecorces. Do not forget to go to the Glacier, and the history of the sorbet, as well as the chapel of the 15th.

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