Can you visit inside Maisonfort Castle?

No, the castle is privately owned and not open to the public.

When was the castle built?

Major construction began in 1586 under Claude II de La Châtre. Earlier medieval elements remain, particularly in the walls of the southwest corner pavilion.

What is listed as a historical monument?

The Renaissance pavilion, facades and roofing, moats, a spiral staircase, the Chaplain's Chamber with painted walls, and the library with its 18th-century decoration.

What architectural style does the castle represent?

Late 16th-century military architecture, featuring brick and stone checkerboard facades and marking a departure from traditional defensive design principles.

Château de la Maisonfort

Maisonfort Castle

Genouilly

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Genouilly

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

château de Sainte Colombe (Sainte Colombe Castle)Accommodation on site29 km

Château de la Maisonfort stands in Genouilly (Cher), in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 16th century, 17th century, 18th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

Maisonfort Castle in Cher was largely rebuilt from 1586 for Claude II de La Châtre, a French marshal and Ligue leader in Berry. The structure incorporates earlier medieval elements and exemplifies late 16th-century military architecture with distinctive brick and stone checkerboard patterns on its facades. Inside, Renaissance-era fireplaces and painted wall decorations remain. Now classified as a historical monument, it represents an important regional example of fortified design from that transitional period.

What to know

The castle is privately owned and not open to visitors.
Protected elements include the Renaissance pavilion at the corner, facades and roofing, moats, a spiral staircase, and two decorated interior rooms: the Chaplain's Chamber and the library.
Located in Genouilly, Cher, the monument illustrates the transitional military architecture of the 16th century, characterized by the abandonment of traditional defensive orders.

Where this château is

Genouilly · Cher · Centre-Val de Loire

Map of the area around Château de la Maisonfort

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Genouilly, Cher

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00096802
Period of construction: 16th century, 17th century, 18th century

Frequently asked

Can you visit inside Maisonfort Castle?: No, the castle is privately owned and not open to the public.
When was the castle built?: Major construction began in 1586 under Claude II de La Châtre. Earlier medieval elements remain, particularly in the walls of the southwest corner pavilion.
What is listed as a historical monument?: The Renaissance pavilion, facades and roofing, moats, a spiral staircase, the Chaplain's Chamber with painted walls, and the library with its 18th-century decoration.
What architectural style does the castle represent?: Late 16th-century military architecture, featuring brick and stone checkerboard facades and marking a departure from traditional defensive design principles.