Château de Montargis (ruines)

Montargis

Overlooking the Loing valley, the château de Montargis appears in the records from the late 11th century: the title of castellan is attested there in 1069 according to several sources cited by Wikipedia (or even as early as 1020 according to the château's official website, with Hildegarde de Courtenay). Philip Augustus attached it to the Crown towards the end of the 12th century (1184 or around 1196 according to sources) and had a keep built there along with three north towers still visible today. Under Charles V, between 1370 and 1380, the architect Raymond du Temple, also active at the Louvre, considerably enlarged the building, where one of the very first clocks in France was installed in 1380. The château was largely demolished in the 19th century (between 1810 and 1835, or until 1845 according to sources). Only remnants survive today: the postern tower, a stable, the three north towers from the time of Philip Augustus and the buried foundations of the keep.

Getting there : Partly ruined site, private property divided among several owners; visits on request through the tourist office, ramparts restored in 2011

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound