Overlooking the Garonne river and the bastide de Cadillac, the castle of the Dukes of Epernon, a prime example of early 17th century architecture, was an impressive monument in its day, and it rivaled royal properties. Of the richly decorated castle built by the Duke of Epernon (1554-1642), all that remains is the main building with its two wings at right angles, the courtyard and the garden. Inside, there are monumental marble fireplaces with carved figures, painted ceilings from the 17th century and tapestries. This decoration gives a good idea of the splendor of the receptions given in honor of the visits of Henri IV, Louis XIII and Louis XIV.
The abbey of Sauve-Majeure Monument The abbey of Sauve-Majeure stands in the middle of the Bordeaux wine-growing region called l’Entre-deux-Mers at a place which used to be called “Silva Major” (large forest). This Benedictine abbey was founded in 1079 and was rebuilt in the 13th century. […]
The castle of Rambouillet is surrounded by a 20,000-acre forest, which is what remains of the former forest of the Yveline region.
From the time it was a fortress, the castle kept its bastions and its 14th-century keep, despite the numerous changes decided by the successive owners.
As early as the 5th century AD, Francs aristocrats were buried in the basilica, Dagobert was the first sovereign to be buried there in 639. Over the centuries the Saint-Denis basilica became the "King’s Cemetery". In the 13th century the necropolis character of Saint-Denis was reinforced by the introduction of sculpted tombs, their magnificent style was to evolve over the centuries. Today, 43 kings, 32 queens and 10 great servants of the kingdom of France repose in the basilica