Château de Balleroy: A baroque oasis in Normandy

Château de Balleroy: A baroque oasis in Normandy The Château de Balleroy, located in the idyllic French region of Normandy, stands as an imposing testimony of the baroque style of the 17th century. Built between 1626 and 1636 by the famous architect François Mansart, this castle not only stands out for its architectural magnificence, but also for its rich history and its impeccable “à la française” gardens. Architecture: The castle’s façade, built of limestone, is a sublime example of the …

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Château du Petit Chêne, Renamed Alexandra Palace Hotel

Château du Petit Chêne, Renamed Alexandra Palace Hotel Le Petit-Chêne was originally a seigneury. Around 1780 the castle was completely rebuilt and the contractor used a lot of materials from old ruined castles. The east facade had two wings in return with, in front, a large courtyard. The rear facade opened onto a garden with an orangery. There were several water features and landscaped groves. During the Revolution, the Petit-Chêne was sold as national property and then recovered by the …

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