Francais:
C'est vers 1630 que Jean-Armand du Plessis (1585-1642) (Cardinal de
Richelieu) fait bâtir à Richelieu un somptueux château sur les
plans de Jacques Lemercier, architecte du roi. Cardinal et aussi le
Premier Ministre de Louis XIII, il est alors à l'apogée de sa
réussite. Ce château, symbole grandiose de son prestige, est le
plus grand de France jamais construit avant Versailles..Après son
abandon durant la Révolution, le château est démoli en 1835, à
l'exception du dôme, de l'orangerie et du chais, que vous
découvrirez lors de votre promenade autour du parc de 500 hectares.
le parc est ouvert tous les jours de 10.00 - 19.00 heures.
English:
It was around 1630 that Jean-Armand of Plessis (Cardinal Richelieu)
built in Richelieu a large chateau based upon plans produced by
Jacques Lemercier, the architect of the king. The Cardinal was also
the Prime Minister of Louis XIII, and was at the height of his
success. This chateau was a symbol of his prestige, and was the
largest built in France before Versailles. The chateau was
abandoned during the Revolution, and the rest of the chateau was
demolished in 1835, except for the dome, the orangery and the wine
storehouses, all of which can be discovered whilst walking around
the 500 hectare park. The park is open every day from 10.00 - 19.00
hours.