Château de Péronne

Château de Péronne is a medieval fortress in the town of Péronne with three preserved towers connected by curtain walls built from sandstone and brick. The structure centers around a courtyard where visitors can view the exterior architecture and see how the builders laid out the defensive elements.

Herbert I, Count of Vermandois, built the fortress in the late 9th century to replace a royal palace destroyed by Vikings. The structure was later expanded and became an important defensive position in regional medieval conflicts.

The fortress today houses the Historial de la Grande Guerre museum, which focuses on collecting objects and documents from World War I. Visitors can discover personal belongings and letters from soldiers and civilians of different nations, revealing how people lived through the war.

The grounds and courtyards are open to visitors who want to walk around and see the towers and walls up close. The museum operates throughout the year, making visits possible on most days, though opening times may vary seasonally.

In 1468 the fortress held King Louis XI as a prisoner of Charles the Bold, a dramatic moment that led to a forced peace agreement. This event marked a turning point in French power struggles and remains a significant moment in regional history.

Location: Péronne

GPS coordinates: 49.92910,2.93197

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:20