Centre-Val de Loire · Loiret, France

Château de Sully-sur-Loire

A storybook moated castle at the eastern gate of the Loire châteaux country, bought in 1602 by Maximilien de Béthune — Henri IV's great minister, who took his ducal title from it. The young Voltaire, exiled from Paris, wrote and staged plays here; the keep's 600-year-old chestnut roof frame is among the finest surviving.

At a glance

Built: Keep from 1395
Style: Late-medieval moated castle
Commissioned by: Guy de La Trémoille; home of the Duke of Sully
Signature feature: Full moat and the medieval keep's original timber roof (c. 1400)
The Duke: Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully, minister to Henri IV
Literary guest: Voltaire took refuge and staged his plays here (1716–1719)
Ownership: Département du Loiret
Visiting: Open to visitors (seasonal calendar)