Châteauneuf-sur-Epte, Medieval castle in Château-sur-Epte, France.
Châteauneuf-sur-Epte is a medieval castle ruin perched on a mound in Normandy with a round stone structure at its heart. The fortification features curved defensive walls surrounding the central platform, where a cylindrical tower rises above the surrounding land.
The castle was founded in the late 11th century and served as a border fortress between Normandy and the French kingdom. It played a key role in Norman control of the region through different periods of conflict and stability.
The castle reflects Norman defensive design with its circular plan and solid walls that once guarded the valley below. Walking around it today, you can sense how this place commanded the landscape and controlled movement through the region.
The site is easy to reach on foot and offers good views from its elevated position. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for open-air weather, as the ruins are accessible throughout the year without shelter.
The mound itself was built up artificially and was originally much taller than it appears today. Over centuries, erosion and weather have worn down the surface and reshaped how the site looks now.
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