The park is not all just natural beauty and sports.
It also harbours several ancient buildings or remains, some much older than the current château, which mostly dates back to 1610.
The largest and best preserved is of course the Chapel to the north of the château. The original chapel was consecrated to Our Lady of Pity and Saint Mark in 1135, but the one you see, though Romanesque in style, dates back to the 13th and 15th centuries, and its roof was probably replaced at the end of the 16th century, when rebuilding of the château took place.
It is no longer consecrated and is used for events, meetings, concerts etc. Unless one is in progress, you are welcome to go inside and sit there if you wish.
Hidden behind the Chapel are a small ancient house and, more unusually, the entrance to a tunnel which used to link Détilly to several other neighbouring châteaux and to the Beaumont-en-Véron presbytery.
The tunnels have now largely collapsed and are dangerous, so please do not attempt to go down there to explore – you would not get far anyway, even on your hands and knees!
Last but not least, at the end of the tree-lined entrance avenue before reaching the orangerie, stands the 17th century Arch that used to lead into the main courtyard.
Do not think it has just been worn by time: most of the damage you see today was done during the French revolution, when the Château was seized and the coats of arms of the de Valori family were hacked off.
This arch is now a classified historical monument (ISMH).
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