Ducal Château of Cadillac

In 1599, a Gascon cadet named Jean-Louis de Nogaret de La Valette erected this château to display his favor of Henri III, an ancestor of the musketeers who became Duke of Épernon. A sumptuous palace under Henri IV and Louis XIII, it housed kings and Richelieu before turning prison for women from 1818 to 1952, the first in France. Admire its eight monumental marble fireplaces, painted ceilings and above all, its 40 historical tapestries, the largest collection within national monuments. Recently restored, it blends opulent ducal splendor with a memory of incarceration. Admission ticket included, open year round except certain holidays and Mondays outside high season. Located 35 km from Bordeaux, an irresistible detour for two centuries of living history.