Château de la Chapelle Bellouin

The Château de la Chapelle-Bellouin, in the Vienne, is a 14th-century castle built next to a 13th-century tower whose lower part survives. It was entirely refitted in the early Renaissance by Henri Bohier, treasurer-general of Francis I, like his younger brother, who built Chenonceau. It is a rare example of a fortified castle completely remodelled to introduce Renaissance architecture to France.

Having become royal property, it was given by Francis I to the Sourdis family, who remained close to the court until the death of Gabrielle d'Estrées, their niece and adopted daughter. The county of La Chapelle-Bellouin was later bought by Cardinal Richelieu when he enlarged his estate to become a duke and peer of France.

In 1805 it was sold by the Duke of Richelieu, later a minister of Louis XVIII, for more than the great Château de Richelieu and its outbuildings.

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