Why are so many chateaux in France called 'Chateau Neuf'?

Question

Having driven through France a few times I have noticed many Chateaux called Chateau Neuf and I have drunk Chateau Neuf du Pape wine quite frequently. But why Castle Nine????

Answer 1

As said above it means new, not nine. Building a new castle was a big enterprise, taking years, and the talk of the whole area even years later and the name usually stuck, generations later people still spoke of the new castle.  

As an example, the oldest bridge in Paris is called Pont Neuf (new bridge) because it was the newest bridge and the first one built in a long time when it was built in 1606.

Answer 2

"Neuf" ("neuve" in the feminine) also means "new" = Newcastle (as in England)

European history is a very violent one. There were always wars and invasions so a lot of places would get destroyed and rebuilt (hence fortifications). So it probably referred to the new castles that were built on top of older ones. There are also towns called "Villeneuve" (Newtown).

Answer 3

Actually it means "New Chateau".

Chateau Neuf du Pape means "The Pope's new Chateau" and refers to the fact that the Popes developed this area during their residence in Avignon.