Château de Moret, Medieval castle in Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne, France.
Château de Moret is a rectangular keep with buttresses positioned at the confluence of the Seine and Loing rivers, with defensive structures descending toward the water. The structure combines residential spaces with fortified elements that respond to its strategic location at an important river crossing.
The keep was built in 1126 by King Louis VI and formed a control point alongside the city walls on the old road from Paris to Burgundy. The building stood at the center of power struggles between rival feudal lords competing for influence in the region.
The castle was long associated with royal hunting expeditions, as rulers used the property as a secondary residence. The structure recalls its role as a retreat for French aristocracy who gathered here to hunt in the nearby forests.
The building is located on rue du Château and is only partially open to visitors due to protected private property sections. It is best viewed from the river banks, where the structure and its surroundings can be better appreciated from the outside.
The building played a role in political power games when it was converted into a prison in 1311 and housed a member of the royal family. This transformation shows how military structures could serve different purposes depending on the needs of those in power.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.