Famous for its horseshoe staircase built by Jean du Cerceau under Louis XIII, this former bailey was used only by domestics, but its generous size meant it was soon earmarked for official parades and tournaments. The gilded eagles, that seem to beat their wings on the pillars of the large gate, are a reminder that the Emperor made this his cour d'honneur. It was also here, on 20 April 1814, that he bade his farewells before leaving for the island of Elba.