Centre-Val de Loire · Eure-et-Loir, France

Château d'Anet

Built for Diane de Poitiers by Philibert de l'Orme with the treasury of her royal lover Henri II — a manifesto of French Renaissance classicism stamped everywhere with crescents and interlaced initials. Partly demolished after the Revolution, what survives (entrance, chapel, one wing, and Diane's funerary chapel) is of the first importance.

At a glance

Built: 1547–1552
Style: French Renaissance at its purest
Commissioned by: Diane de Poitiers, by Philibert de l'Orme
Signature feature: De l'Orme's entrance portal and dome chapel — landmarks of French classicism
The patroness: Diane de Poitiers, favourite of Henri II; her tomb chapel adjoins
Emblems: Crescent moons and the interlaced H&D throughout
Ownership: Privately owned and inhabited
Visiting: Open to visitors (seasonal, guided)