Château François Ier

The château of Villers-Cotterêts, in the Aisne, is a Renaissance château built by Francis I between 1532 and 1540. In August 1539 the king signed the Ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts here, which made French compulsory in official documents and laid the foundations of civil registration.

This imposing ensemble is a fine example of Renaissance architecture. It stands out above all for the richness of its interior decoration, notably its two straight staircases with carved coffered vaults and its royal chapel.

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