Early in the 11th century, the son of Fucaldus built a square keep, still identifiable at the heart of the present site.

Galleries and a grand staircase, the latter attributed to designs by Leonardo da Vinci, were added in 1520.

Much of the medieval building was demolished in 1615 when the courtyard was opened out and improvements were made to honour a visit by Louis XIII of France.

Following subsidence problems affecting the keep in the 1960s, the building is currently in the midst of restoration, during which time one wing remains a family home and much of the rest is open to the public.

Guided tours of the libraries are sometimes available, and there are costumes for children and adults to wear during their exploration of the rest of the public areas, which include several furnished rooms, and some of the foundations within the rock.