Château de Montlhéry, Medieval castle in Montlhéry, France.
The Château de Montlhéry is a medieval castle set on a hilltop south of Paris, in the Essonne department. What survives today is mainly the round keep, surrounded by sections of wall that rise above the surrounding plain.
The castle was built around the year 1000 and became a contested point between the lords of Montlhéry and the French crown throughout the 11th and 12th centuries. After Louis VI destroyed it, Philip II Augustus had it rebuilt in the 13th century and brought it under royal control.
The name Montlhéry comes from the Latin "Mons Lahericus," a reminder of how long this hill has been a place of power. The keep that still stands above the valley is a familiar landmark for people living across the surrounding plain.
The keep is clearly visible from the surrounding area and can be reached on foot by walking up the hill. The paths and stone steps can become slippery in wet weather, so sturdy footwear is a good idea.
In the 17th century, the keep was used by scientists including Pierre Gassendi as an elevated platform for optical and astronomical experiments. Its height and open position above the plain made it a natural observation post far from city interference.
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