Château de Guînes

Château de Guînes is a castle in Guînes with thick stone walls, a central courtyard, and defensive towers positioned around the perimeter. At its heart stood a large keep that dominated the entire structure.

The site was first fortified in the early 10th century as a simple earthwork surrounded by wooden stakes. The stone structures came later, and the castle changed hands between French and English rulers several times over the centuries.

The castle grounds reflect centuries of conflict and control between French and English powers. Walking through the site, you can sense how this border location shaped the lives of people who lived here.

The castle site sits on elevated ground and is easily walkable, though it offers little shade and can be hot on sunny days. Wear comfortable shoes since the ground is uneven and some areas have crumbling edges.

The original fortification was built by northern raiders and consisted of piled earth with two parallel ditches for defense. This type of construction was typical for early medieval defense work in the region.