What to do and see in Eure-et-Loir, Centre-Val de Loire: The Best History Museums

The castle of Saint-Jean dominates the town and is a fine example of medieval architecture and of the history of Nogent-le-Rotrou. The rectangular keep is 30 metres high and is 60 metres above the Huisne valley. Its construction began in the first years of the 11th century after the first Lord of Nogent, Rotrou I. The end of 12th century and beginning of the 13th saw the construction of the circular enclosure and 7 defensive towers. The castle of Saint-Jean has withstood many sieges in its time, the most violent was probably in 1428 when the Count of Salisbury burnt the keep and destroyed the inside of the building. In 1624, de Sully became the owner and built the attractive Louis XIII pavilion against the north rampart. The interior has been completely renovated since the 1960s and now houses a local history museum with exhibits and documents about country life in Perche, as well as on the history of the town and the castle. It also houses various temporary exhibitions.

Bought in 2013 by the French cultural show host Stephane Bern, the Royal & Military College has been entierly restored by the latter. If he is now inhabitting the main dwelling, he left the rest of the property open to the public. The ancien class rooms are now the setting for a little museum and the garden, restored by the landscaper Louis Benech, offers the possibility of a charming walk.

A fascinating journey through the Renaissance in France! In front of the Castle of Anet, come and enjoy a 360-degree immersive film, a model Castle, animated movies and many interactive displays. CiR is a place where everyone can discover this spectacular era of the history of France. Families are welcome.