Château de Montagu, Medieval castle ruins in Marcoussis, France
Château de Montagu is a fortified residence with a square layout and round corner towers, still visible in the Marcoussis landscape. The most striking feature is a tall tower that rises prominently above the ruins, surrounded by remains of deep defensive moats.
Jean de Montagu, superintendent of finances for King Charles VI, built this defensive residence between 1400 and 1408 near Paris. The fortress survived centuries but deteriorated over time until recent conservation efforts worked to stabilize the remaining structures.
The castle grounds now house a horticultural school where students work with the ruins as part of their learning environment. This integration shows how a historical site can serve modern educational purposes while coexisting with its past.
The site is accessible for visitors who want to explore the ruins and view the architecture from different angles. It is best to plan a visit on dry days, as the grounds can become muddy after rain.
Inside the tall tower lies a hexagonal vaulted chamber that has remained intact despite centuries of abandonment. This hidden space demonstrates how durable medieval construction techniques were designed to be.
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