Chateau Chaumont

The first Chateau at Chaumont-sur-Loire, Loir-et-Cher[?], France, originated in the 11th century, built by Eudes[?], Comte de Blois.

In the 15th century, the chateau's owner was part of the unsuccessful rebellion against King Louis XI. As a result, the king ordered that the chateau be burned and demolished. Reconstruction began in 1473 and was completed over the next dozen years.

In 1560, the chateau became the property of Catherine de Medici who entertained numerous astrologers there, including Nostradamus. On the death of her husband, King Henri II , Catherine used her power to take over the much coveted Chateau Chenonceaux from her husband's mistress, Diane de Poitiers. As certain legalities had to be met, Diane was forced to accept Chateau Chaumont as payment for her beloved Chateau Chenonceaux. Diane de Poitiers lived at Chaumont for only a short time when the chateau was sold.

In the 18th century, it became the property of Jacques-Donatien Le Ray. At a meeting at Chateau Chaumont, Le Ray entertained Benjamin Franklin and agreed to use his enormous wealth to help finance the American Revolution. Le Ray's son James founded the town of Chaumont, New York and Le Ray, New York is named after him.

After changing hands a few times, in 1875 the Prince Amédée de Broglie completely renovated the chateau but after him, several people went broke trying to maintain the property. In 1938, the government of France took it over. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, open to the public.

See also: List of French Chateaux