The Rambouillet Castle was home to French royalty for centuries before becoming a presidential residence and playing host to high-level diplomatic talks in recent years.
Located some 50 km south-west of Paris, the 14th century fortress is set in a lush forest used for official hunting parties. Through the years the castle has undergone numerous renovations.
Built in 1375 by Jean Bernier, Rambouillet entered French history books when Francois I died there in 1547 after being injured during a hunting party. In 1814, Marie Louise, second wife of Napoleon I, fled the castle and ran away with the King of Rome. And in 1830 Charles X handed in his abdication at the castle.
In modern times, it was from Rambouillet that Gen Charles de Gaulle in 1944 gave Gen Leclerc's division the final marching order to liberate Paris. After serving as a summer residence for French presidents for several years, Rambouillet became an elegant spot for high-level diplomatic talks in 1959 under President De Gaulle.
The castle was chosen as the venue for the crucial talks on Kosovo this weekend because it is isolated, but close to Paris. The Serb and Albanian delegations to the closed-door talks are expected to stay at the castle during the maximum period of 13 days set by the Contact Group for them to reach a compromise.
