The château
Built around 1300, the fortress is surrounded by a moat of flowing water. Jacques Coeur bought Ainay-le-Vieil in 1435, then Charles de Chevenon de Bigny (direct ancestor of the current owners) acquired it on December 14, 1467. Charles de Chvenon de Bigny built the late Gothic corps de logis with Italian influences within the château walls.
The dwelling
In the grand salon, a monumental fireplace - one of the finest in the Loire Valley - recalls the visit of King Louis XII and Queen Anne de Bretagne. For the chapel and its exceptional murals, Charles de Bigny called on the workshops working on Bourges Cathedral.
Memorabilia of Marie-Antoinette, the Great Colbert, minister to Louis XIV, and three Colbert brothers, all generals under Napoleon, are also on display.