THE COURTYARDS...

The Palace buildings are organised around five main courtyards, and the complexity of the plan reveals the various different work campaigns that were undertaken here. Indeed, each area has several names according to the different periods.

ARRIVAL BY THE COURT OF THE WHITE HORSE OR COURT OF FAREWELLS

The main façade, punctuated by high-roofed pavilions, dates in part back to the 16th century. It was here, at the foot of the famous double horse-shoe staircase built in 1634 by Jean Androuet Du Cerceau, that Napoleon made his celebrated farewell to his guard before leaving for the Island of Elba.

COURT OF THE FOUNTAIN

The buildings bear witness of several periods of construction: the gallery of François 1st, the terrace of Henri IV, the apartment of Henri II, the elegant building of Primaticcio with its two right-banister staircases, facing the large pavilion of Gabriel built in 1750. The large dogs of Fô mark the former entrance to Empress Eugenie’s Chinese rooms. Near the carp pond is a fountain which used to give very pure water, the usage of which was reserved for the king. Rising in the middle of the carp-filled pond is a pavilion first built under Henri IV, then rebuilt by Louis XIV and restored by Napoleon 1st. Light meals were served there during royal outings.

THE OVAL COURT

The oldest courtyard in the Castle lies in an area formerly occupied by the ancient 12th century fortified castle, of which only the dungeon remains. Primitively oval, this courtyard was opened by Henri IV who had the large domed portal elevated in 1601 to allow him a monumental entrance. The portal took on the name of Gate of the Baptistery, or Dauphine Gate, following the Baptism of Louis XIII which took place in the courtyard in 1601, the royal Court having fled Paris which was being ravaged by the plague.

COURT OF THE OFFICES

Said to be the court of Henri IV, in brick and rough-cast, built between 1606 and 1609 to shelter the offices and the kitchens by separating them from the main buildings to avoid fire risks..

Practical infos...

The courtyards and gardens are open every day from May to September from 9am to 7pm.
In March, April and October, from 9am to 6pm.
From November to February, from 9am to 5pm.