Donjon de Clermont, donjon à Clermont (Oise)
The Donjon de Clermont is a square stone tower built in the 11th and 12th centuries that rises from a promontory overlooking the town. Its walls measure roughly 13 feet (4 meters) thick and display the sturdy construction typical of medieval fortifications, with narrow windows and a flat top.
The tower was originally built by the Counts of Clermont in the High Middle Ages as a center of their power and was surrounded by fortification walls and a moat. Over the centuries it served as a residence, prison, and school, suffering damage from sieges but receiving repairs and modifications.
The keep was a symbol of the Counts of Clermont's authority for centuries and continues to shape the town's identity today. Local residents connect the tower to stories of defiance, particularly through figures like Louise Michel who was imprisoned here.
The tower is easily accessible on foot from the town center and has a small parking area nearby. Comfortable shoes are recommended since the site sits on a hill and exploring the location involves walking.
Louise Michel, a famous 19th-century revolutionary, was imprisoned in this tower and spent over a year here as a captive. This connection to an important historical moment transforms the site into something more than just an old stone structure.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
