Located in Ecouen on a hill in the North of Paris, the Chateau d’Ecouen was built for Anne de Montmorency who inherited it in 1515. It was only after he was made connétable in 1538 did he start his building campaigns on the Chateau for which he drew from his first hand experience gained while overseeing the royal works at Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Fontainbleu. It is likely that the architect was Jean Bullant who was commissioned to design the Grand Constable’s tomb and whose characteristic use of the colossal order is seen on the pavilion on the court side. Anne de Montmorency was a patron of the arts and a protector of the Huguenot artists and as such his chapel is decorated with sculptures by Jean Goujon, Barthlémy Prieur and Bernard Palissy.

The chateau is arranged around a large courtyard and consists of four wings: north and south which were for housing, and east and west. There is a room of weapons showcasing swords, knives, crossbows and armour from the 16th century. The Constable and his wife Madeleine de Savoie’s apartments still have the furniture and tapestries. Beautifully adorned chimneys are found in the tapestry room as well as in other rooms.

After the death of Anne de Montmorency in 1567, the chateau continued to remain in the family till 1696. The chateau at various times has been a meeting place for patriots, a military prison and a hospital.

The Chateau d’Ecouen has become a landmark of Renaissance architecture in France and now houses a museum dedicated to that grand period, Musée National de la Renaissance, which was opened in 1977. Included in the collection are sculptures, embroideries, paintings, furniture and stained glass as well as a 75 meter tapestry depicting the story of David and Bathsheba.
When it comes to sightseeing in Paris France, travellers simply cannot afford to overlook the Chateau d’Ecouen.