Richelieu
Armand-Jean du Plessis was born on the Richelieu estate, then a small estate. He became an important minister to Louis XIV and was made Duc de Richelieu in 1631. As Duke and Cardinal, Richelieu (1585-1642) set about enlarging the estate and building a large chateau. It was a magnificent estate but the Cardinal did not live to see it finished. It was confiscated during the Revolution, returned in a poor condition and then sold to an estate agent called Boutron. He stripped out all the valuable materials and sold them, including much of the stone from the building. A few buildings escaped destruction and can still be seen. A few engravings survive to show the size and extent of the estate. The town of Richelieu was also planned and built by Cardinal Richelieu.
We stayed in a cottage in the village of Pouant, about 3 km from Richelieu and visited the park on Thursday 22nd May.
Pouant Village Square Holiday Cottage Town Entrance Town Plan Entrance to Park Statue of Cardinal Richelieu
The Dome Bridge over canal Entrance to Rose Garden Avenue in opposite direction Grand Canal
Wine & Spirit Store Possibly the Orangery