Château de Hattonchâtel, Medieval castle in Vigneulles-lès-Hattonchâtel, France
The Château de Hattonchâtel is a castle in an elevated position, offering views across the Woëvre plain in northeastern France. Built first in the 11th century as a fortification, it was reconstructed in the 1920s and now operates as both a hotel and conference facility.
Bishop Hatto of Verdun established the first fortification around 860, which served for centuries as a bishop's residence and mint. Swedish forces destroyed the structure in 1636, leaving it in ruin for nearly 300 years.
Today the castle operates as a working hotel where people gather for celebrations and conferences, blending its historical role as a seat of power with contemporary use. The building feels both formal and welcoming, serving as a backdrop for modern life while holding its medieval past.
Visitors can approach the castle on pathways that lead gradually uphill to the main entrance. Since it operates as a working hotel, arriving early in the day or in quieter periods makes for a more enjoyable exploration of the grounds and exterior.
An American philanthropist named Belle Skinner funded the complete restoration after World War I, preventing the structure from crumbling into permanent ruin. Her contribution allowed this historical site to be reborn rather than disappear.
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