The Villarceaux wooden châtelet was replaced in the 14th century by a real stone fortress, dedicated to the defence of the kingdom’s borders. During the Renaissance, a manor house was built on part of the feudal castle in order to make Villarceaux a place of pleasure. In the 16th century, the gardens were redesigned on the model of Italian gardens. Louis de Mornay had windows cut into the gardens and ponds. He furnished the interior of the manor with luxury in order to shelter his illegitimate love affair with the courtesan Ninon de Lenclos. This erudite beauty left a lasting impression on the place, even though she only stayed there for three years.