Château Saint-Jean de Nogent-le-Rotrou

Nogent-le-Rotrou

Built in the 1040s for the counts of Perche, the rectangular keep of the château Saint-Jean is among the oldest of its type still standing in France, its thick walls and rare openings betraying its strictly military purpose. The circular enclosure and the present towers date from the late 12th and early 13th century, completed by dry moats crossed by a drawbridge. Without a garrison from the 17th century, the castle served as a prison during the French Revolution before passing to private owners, then being bought back by the town in 1950. It now houses the municipal museum.

Getting there : Property of the town since 1950, partial restoration 2000–2004; has housed the municipal museum since 1959

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

Ambient sound