Tour Saint-Clair, Medieval castle in Derval, France.
Tour Saint-Clair is a medieval castle ruin in Derval featuring a square-shaped structure with defensive walls that rise about 24 meters. A moat encircles the site, which originally played a key role in the fortress's protection against attackers.
The fortress suffered extensive damage during the Wars of Religion in the late 16th century, leading to its partial demolition following the Edict of Nantes. This destruction ended its role as a military stronghold in the region.
The ruins appear in a miniature illustration by Pierre Le Baud in the Chronicles of Brittany, depicting how the castle looked at the end of the medieval period. Visitors can compare this historical representation with what remains visible today.
The ruins are located about 2.5 kilometers from Derval town center and remain open to visitors year-round. Information panels on site help explain the structure and its past.
The original fortress contained nine towers and featured an engineering system with sluices that controlled water flow through the surrounding moats. This water management setup was a remarkable technical achievement for its era.
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