Ruines du château de la Montjoie, Ruins of a medieval castle in Chambourcy, France
The Ruines du château de la Montjoie are the remains of a medieval castle in Chambourcy, France. Today, only a mound and some vestiges of the former fortress can be seen, giving an idea of its past layout.
The castle already existed in the time of Philip Augustus and served as an outpost during the Hundred Years' War. It was burned by Edward III of England in 1346, restored by Charles V, and ruined again by the English in 1431.
The site is linked to the legend of the fleur-de-lis, the royal emblem of France. According to the story, an angel told a hermit near a spring to have King Clovis replace his old symbols with three golden lilies, and this tale is part of local lore.
The ruins are in the Marly forest, near the Princesses forest road, and can be visited freely at any time. Wear good shoes, as the ground is uneven and the paths may be muddy after rain.
The site is often confused with another Montjoie tower in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, a few kilometers away. The name Montjoie also refers to the royal cry "Montjoie Saint Denis", which is said to have originated here.
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